"Andrew, Laura and family, I can never fully express the sorrow and sympathy that I feel for your tremendous loss. May God hold each of you in his loving arms and support you through this tragedy. With Love, Bob, Carrie, Cole and Gracie Jacobs"
In loving memory of
Carly Rose Shelton
September 13, 2010
In Lieu of Flowers Memorials to the Lacona Public Library.
Carly Rose was born December 29, 2007 at the Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines to Andrew and Laura Nash Shelton. She was Mommy's girl from the beginning and loved to be held and rocked to sleep, with a book and a song. She was always eager to please, saying "I can help too" and very polite with many "please" and "thank yous". She would comment on how nice the garden looked and wanted a shovel and a wheelbarrow like her Mom's so she could help too. Carly and her Mom had a bucket calf named Elmer, "Elmert", she loved to feed and ride when he was smaller. Her cousins, Asher and Hudsen, liked to help feed the calf when they could. She loved to help her Dad and was looking forward to riding in the combine this fall with Jared and maybe her Dad. And Carly loved to dance for her Dad while listening to the Hot Dog song from the Mickey Mouse Playhouse or to Dora the Explorer.
Carly also liked to play with her Barbie Dolls, jump, swim "All by myself", read books, sing, dance, put on tattoos, eat Dum-dum suckers from her Grandad, and Popsicles. She liked to pick out her own clothes and wear skirts like her older cousins. Another favorite for Carly was to go for a walk. She would push her stroller to Grandma Shelton's to give her a hug and maybe get a snack.
She was looking forward to going trick or treating again, carving pumpkins with Daddy, sledding, and building a snowman again. She loved to "wear" makeup - which meant using mom's eyeliner to draw whiskers on herself and mom. She liked to tease, swing, see her friends, dig for worms and go fishing, pick cherries and mulberries, and stomping in the mud.
She was all smiles and giggles, a very happy little girl wanting to make sure everyone was taken care of. Carly wanted to know where her dog Fred and cat Tickle were, and she wanted to make sure her plants, birds, and frogs weren't sad. Meaning that she needed to water the plants, feed the birds, and make sure the frogs weren't trapped in the window wells. Carly loved life and everything it contained.
Carly passed away September 13, 2010. She was preceded in death by great grandparents: Martin & Evelyn Shelton, John Drake, Doyle Nash, and Marjorie Tipton.
Carly will be greatly missed by her parents, Andrew & Laura Shelton; grandparents: Ron & Clarissa Shelton and Dan & Carol Nash; great grandparents: Jean Nash, Howard & Sue Tipton, and JoAnn Drake; aunts & uncles: Adam & Lacey Shelton, Ronda Shelton, Tami & Brian Fairbanks, Kris & Cory Oltrogge, and Phil & Kellie Nash; and cousins: Asher & Hudsen Shelton, Jaden, Jillian, & Taylor Fairbanks, Kalyn & Myelle Oltrogge.
Tributes
"We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you."
"Andrew & Laura & family, Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about your loss. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies. We pray the love of God enfolds your family during this time. Carly will remain in our hearts forever. With caring thoughts peace, prayers and comfort for all of you, Love and hugs to you all, Brad, Sue, Emily and Jeremy Campbell"
"Andrew & Laura - I don't know you, only know of you from the article in the paper here in Council Bluffs. When I read about your beautiful Carly, my heart broke. For you, for your family. I too, lost a son, who was 3 years old who had gotten into a car and pulled it into gear. It rolled down our driveway. He tried to get out and was pinned between a one inch guide wire and the drivers' door. He died of head injuries. There are no words to describe how I feel right now for you and yours. I would like to meet you and visit with you, hold you tight knowing the pain you are in. We have 5 children and 2 grandchildren. My story began on August 29, 1984. Matthew would be 29 years old this year. The pain is still with me although lighter. The guilt is with me every day. Everyone used to tell me to lighten up, let go, I was too protective of my children. Matthew was our 3rd son, and we later had a daughter and another son. If I could meet with you, I think I could in some way help you. I live in Council Bluffs and I will drive to you. I know it is very soon, but please let me know if this is something that you would do. I am available any day. My email is joni.elliff@gmail.com, my home phone is 712-322-0991, and my cell phone is 402-290-1866. Please take care. My heart is with you right now. If I could carry some of your pain, I would. Sincerely - Joni Elliff "
"We are so sorry for your loss. May time help to bring peace and comfort to the entire family. You are in all of our thoughts and prayers and know that you have everyone's love and support. "
"I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Carly. She is a beautiful little angel. May God hold her in His arms forever. You are in my thoughts and prayers."
"Andrew and family, No words can take away the pain that your families are feeling. I'm so sorry for your loss. Lean on each other to help you get through this very difficult time and know that a special angel is watching over you from above. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. "
"Andrew and Laura ~ We pray for and think of you constantly. We know there are no words at a time like this that will take away your pain, but we hope you will find the strength to get through this most difficult time. Hold and cherish the precious memories of your sweet Carly. She was a joy to all who met her. Lots of love, Charley, Shawna, Aubrey and Kinsey Snuggs"
"so little here for such a short time look at the joy she left behind why would god take her away that is what most people would say god didn't take her away he brought her to andrew and laura her father and mother she was given to them for what were his reasons she was with them for such a short season time will tell why and for what she was here the memories andrew and laura will hold very dear and when we look at something like this sometimes we can't see how any good could ever be how andrew and laura can ever mend how another garden laura can ever tend............... everywhere you look, every time you breathe, you see and think carly and want to fall on your knees and that is what we feel when we experience such loss but god says on this i don't want you to focus in every bad you must find the good he will never give you more than he thinks he should wow you say.................he must think laura and andrew are pretty strong i think so too.................you guys hug each other and hold on because god i bet has special plans for you alot more for you to accomplish, alot more for you to do and i know it's hard for you to fight through the pain thinking you won't have carly in your arms again but you will you see that is what matters she is with god right now and in heaven i bet paint doesn't splatter i bet she gets to paint without a big shirt on i bet there are frogs and kitties by the ton and i bet you those special ones in her family that went before her are there to rock her and to hold her and somehow i know god makes her know them.............. her family members already there so she can show them all the special stuff that she learned to do with andrew and laura until she was two and that way when she sees them again.............she'll have stories, and stuff and will have made new friends instead of mom and dad who were carly's stewards..............she's with her real father now and there are no words to describe where carly is at she's in heaven and it's as simple as that and though everyone here is sad, sick and tired,tore apart inside and the biggest desire for andrew and laura would be to have her here but for some reason god needed here there and the bible says for everything there is a time or a season we cannot figure out the reason but laura and andrew i promise you this if you are saved and have trusted jesus christ to be your savior and you know when it's your time you are going to heaven there won't be a line.................... i know god won't make you wait............... the minute you go i bet carly's at the gate and she will run and jump and be in your arms and that's how you go forward from this point on knowing that you did the best job any parent could while god let you have her in this world but you see carly like all of us really belongs to him and when we have kids it's easy to let dim , the fact that we are all his we start thinking we made them and they belong to us.................. and then if they get taken we make a fuss.............. when really we should just cherish anyday we have with anyone we love because we all belong to god above and it is appointed once to man to die.............and if it happens suddenly or when someone is little or young it's so hard to know why but it all comes back to sin..................and once eve ate that fruit she let it in...................... so when bad things happen it's not god's fault, it's satan when it's bad and god when it's good but i know god has carly and that really should be what you guys hold on to now you will make it through this keeping your eyes on god is how and trust him that he knows carly likes skirts to wear for clothes.......... the littlest thing he will do because as hard as it is to muddle through he knows what carly needs and he cares he knew her before she was ever here and the one thing that matters no matter the place CARLY IS WITH GOD AND SHE IS SAFE i'm so so sorry...................i know the pain is almost unbearable now but i promise you god will heal you and you will see her again. work this through together..................you have a good strong christian in your family laura that can help you..............sue tipton..............i'm sure there's more but sue is the one i know...............she can help you.you are young and you need to find older women that are saved to lean on............ "
"Laura and family- im so sorry for ur loss. we are praying for you all and that god give you strength through this difficult time and comfort you."
"We are very sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful baby girl. I cannot even imagine the pain you are feeling but we hope you find comfort in knowing that Carly is with God now and watching over you. She will always be in your hearts and the hearts of all who loved her."
"We are very sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful baby girl. I cannot even imagine the pain you are feeling but we hope you find comfort in knowing that Carly is with God now and watching over you. She will always be in your hearts and the hearts of all who loved her."
"We are very sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful baby girl. I cannot even imagine the pain you are feeling but we hope you find comfort in knowing that Carly is with God now and watching over you. She will always be in your hearts and the hearts of all who loved her."
"Andrew and Laura, There is nothing I can say that sounds right. Nothing that can even come close to comforting you during this awful time. All I can say is that your family has been in our prayers all week and sometimes we just have to believe in the grace of God to make it through. May you lean on each other, and all of your friends and family for support. I am so, so, very sorry. "
"We are at a loss for words. We are very sorry for your loss of your little girl. Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. Rocky, Tiffany, Brandon and Brittany Scovel"
"I'm so sorry for your loss and the pain that you are feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. I am so sad for this tragedy...it was an accident...no one is to blame. Carly, no doubt, was giggling and having a great ride down the hill, not knowing it was the end of her innocent life here on earth. She is now in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ. Being Christians, gives us the strength to know she is in HIS arms..."
"There is nothing to compare with the loss of a child, there is no greater pain, and only those who have known such a tragedy can truly understand your sorrow. Though words may be meaningless right now, may you find some comfort in the love and concern that surround you from so many who deeply care. In Sympathy and Friendship Tiffany, Joe, and Ava Nickell "
"Our hearts ache for you. Am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful little girl. As so many others said before me, she will live on in your hearts and is a sweet little angel in the arms of God watching over you. Please know that so many care for you - remember to take care of yourselves. "
"Heard about the tragedy from my sister Becky Ehlers. Please know that you are being thought of often. Lean on your faith, family, and friends in the coming days, and weeks. Take care of each other and know that you have many friends and neighbors that are there for you when you need them. The obit was beautiful and I felt I truly knew your daughter by the loving words that you wrote."
"We are so very sorry for your loss and have been thinking and praying for you guys and will continue. May God comfort you all during this hard time. Carmen Stroud, Levi, Jonie and Raelyn Meling. "
"Andrew and Laura we cannot possibly begin to understand what it is you are going through but do know that you are not alone. We will never understand why God gives us something so precious only to take it away in such a short time. We pray that He will give you peace and the strength in the time to come. "
"Dear Laura and Andrew, you both are in my thoughts and prayers. No words can comfort the pain that you are feeling in your hearts. With my deepest sympathies for you and your families. My God hold you in his arms. Hang on to your memories. From all of the us. Chris, Sarah, Hailey, and Maci Darr. "
"Carol, We are all praying for each of your family! Much love, Shelly"
"Laura and family, I cannot even begin to imagine the pain you are feeling! I pray you find comfort in God as he wraps his arms around you and heals your hearts in this difficult time. God Bless you all! Love, Jackie and Jaycee Swim"
"I am praying for you and your family in this difficult time. May God be with you in the days ahead and the days after, reminding you that He is always with you. ~Rhea~"
"We are so sorry for this tragic loss. I have been thinking of you nonstop and I pray that you have some peace. My heart hurts for each of you. Reflect on the precious memories of Carly and know that you have a very special angel watching over all of you. Thinking of you. "
"Laura and Andrew, May you feel the comfort of the Lord and think about the good times you had with Carly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and the days to come. May God give you peace."
"She will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved her. So sorry for your loss. Linda in Phoenix"
"We are so very sorry for your loss. We are thinking and praying for you during this very difficult time. My your memories bring you strength."
"Laura and Andrew, please know that you are in out thoughts and prayers not only today but for the weeks and months to come. I pray that you find strength in the Lord, strength in each other, and strength in your family and friends. We are so sorry for your loss! Nick, Krissy, Mason, and Madden Merfeld"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. We are very sorry for your loss!"
"If we could only understand why. I know that the same loving God that gave you this beautiful little girl and then called her home, now surrounds you with his angels, the love of your family and friends and is there recieve your grief and pain. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Sandy Kilgore"
"Carol, I met you at Terri Graham's house several weeks ago. I just wanted to tell you and your family how very sorry I am to hear of the loss of your precious little one. You have my heartfelt sympathies and prayers for strength and comfort during this most difficult and trying time."
"Andrew and Laura, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you."
"Andrew & Laura- We can't express in words how sorry we are for your loss, our deepest sympathies, we are praying for you to heal. Mike, Joan, Emily, Grant, Mason Tice"
"My heart is aching for your family. I'm praying you will hold each other close and remember all the wonderful things you loved about Carly and your brief time with her. "
"Dear Andrew & Laura, you don't knonw me. I heard of your horrific loss last night from Brenda Core. My son died July 18th. No words can even begin to describe how you must be feeling. I am praying for you so very much. Know that God loves you and is holding you when you cannot find the strength to carry on. Lean on your friends & family during this time and remember God holds you in His arms and your daughter is HOME in Jesus' embrace. Kerry"
"Thinking of you in this hard time, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"Andrew and Laura, I am an online friend of Mike Tice and also a Pastor from Mobile, Al. I have walked the valley you walk as I lost my daughter a few years ago also. My wife and I hurt with and for you. We are fervently praying for God's grace and love to give you strength. We truly care about your pain and God bless you. Pastor Danny Wilson,"
"Dan & Carol- I can only imagine what you and your family are going through at this very difficult time. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers. We, too, are praying that God will comfort and protect all of you. Scott(Marcie) Eriksen"
"Laura and Andrew, we are so sorry for your loss. Although I know at times like these words bring little comfort, please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many! I pray that you find the kind of peace that can only come from God and that you lean on your many friends and family during this difficult time. Brenda, Eric, Cheyenne, and Cailey Wallace"
"We have never met, but I work with your brother-in-law, Brian. I want you to know that there are many people like me who, when they read about Carly and her life cut short, will feel a wave of emotion and empathy for your heartache. Deepest sympathies to all know love and miss her."
"Laura and Andrew, my deepest sympathies to your family in this very dificult time. I know no words can comfort you in this difficult time. Please know that you are in all of our hearts and prays. Emily, Allen, Allen III, and Mason Shepherd "
"I am a co-worker of Lacey Shelton and wanted to let you all know my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. May God bring you peace and comfort in the days to come. "
"Are thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Remember the joy that she brought into your lives. Roger and Susan Manley"
"May your family feel God's love giving you strength and guidance during this time of grief. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
"I was crushed to hear of your loss and send my prayers and love to you all. Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
"Laura and family, We are aching for you and what you are going through. Words just don't seem to do justice to how sorry we are. We are praying for your family constantly. Remember how many people are here for you; to talk with, to cry with, to help in any way we can. We hope that God's grace and peace will help you through."
"Thinking and praying for all of you in this time of loss. Carly's beautiful smile will be missed. From your swimming buddies at the Knoxville pool- Kay and Sawyer"
"Thinking and praying for all of you in this time of loss. Carly's beautiful smile will be missed. From your swimming buddies at the Knoxville pool- Kay and Sawyer"
"Laura and family, My heart goes out to you. Nothing anybody says or does will make the hurt go away. It just takes time. I lost my little brother to a tragic car accident ten years ago.This quote has gotten me through a lot of though days. "Those we love don't go away. they walk beside us everyday, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear." I just want you to know I am keeping you guys in my prayers and thoughts. "
"I am a co worker with Sue Hayes and my prayers are with all of your family. I can't imagine the depth of your loss. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers."
"We are so sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers."
"Andrew and Laura, Dan and Carol, and families, No words - just a big hug for all of you. Love you."
"my heart hurts for your family, I have a 2 1/2 grandson, cannt imagine the pain your are having, just know your family is in my thoughts & PRAYERS...."
"We are so sorry to hear about your precious little one. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. "
"Harry and Laura, we are thinking of you in your time of sorrow. You are in our thoughts and we are praying for you and your family. "
"Laura, Andrew, and all the Nash and Shelton families: Our hearts ache for you right now. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort and strength in each other and in God. There are so many people that love you and care about you. Surround yourselves with these people during this difficult time. You are loved and you will continue to be in OUR prayers for a very long time. "
" So deeply sorry... Even friends of your friends are thinking of you.... from friends of andy and heather"
"I am very sorry for your loss. Know that we are thinking of you during this very difficult time. We are sending lots of prayers and love. Jess, Sara, Mady and Grant Taylor"
"I am so sorry for your loss. The loss of a child is the hardest life changing event you may have to face. Turn to God, family, friends and most of all each other while you work though your stages of grief. You don't know me, I am a friend of Phil and Christy Spence. I have lost a child also, so I can empathize with you at this time. I will pray for you and your family. May God comfort you."
"I am so sorry for your loss--my deepest sympathies. My thoughts and prayers are with you. "
"Thinking and praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Words can not express my deepest sympathies for your family. May God comfort and protect you during this time!"
"Carol- You and all of your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I can not imagine what you are going through at such a difficult time. "
"There are no words to express my sadness for you. I pray that the memories of your beautiful daughter/grandaughter will give you comfort and peace."
"I am thinking and praying for all of you. It just makes me so sad to think that such a wonderful family is going through something so aweful. Please hold each other close and know that you have so many friends out here thinking and praying for all of you. You know that I would do anything for the Sheltons so please just let me know if you need anything. Sending you all my love."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Our hearts ache for you. Remeber all the love and laughter Carly brought to everyones life. Randy, Liz & Sara Uttley"
"Our hearts are breaking for you all. Praying night & day. Martin & Eveyln were there to meet her at the gates & she is wrapped in God's arms now, until you can hold her again. Then you will spend eternity with her, never to be seperated again. "
"We are so sorry for your loss. Words just aren't enough to express how heavy our hearts are for all of you. Help each other through each day and weeks to come. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Denny and Debbie Miller "
"We are so sorry for your loss and praying for you all (Logan and Jason Comegys sister and brother-in-law and family)."
"No words can express the grief and sorrow we feel at this is devastation happening to such nice and caring person and family. In this time of despair and agony, we pray for the Lord to shower his blessings on you and your family Carol. "
"We are praying for you and your family during this difficult time."
"Andrew and Laura, We are so sorry for your loss. Carly was such a beautiful and loving little girl. Please let us know if there is anything else we can do for you. We love you guys. Ron and Clarissa, You are also in our thoughts and prayers. Please know that we are also here for you. With all our love, Michael, Angie and Hunter"
"Andrew, No words can express the grief and sorrow at this difficult time. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Amber, Eric, Chloe and Garret Hall"
"We are so sorry to hear of your loss thinking of you in this difficult time. Our prayers will be with you to find strenth in the lord."
"I was so sorry to hear about your little angel. I can personally relate to your loss, as I lost my little boy four years ago. Please know you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Time will not heal your pain, but it will help your heart cope with it. Reach out to others if you need to. I live in Indianola if you ever need to talk to someone who knows how you feel. Take care and be kind to yourselves."
"Andrew and Laura, We are so sorry for your loss as Carly was a beautiful, precious little girl. We are praying for you during this time of trial. "
"Love and prayers, we can't imagine the pain of your loss. Lisa, Terry, Marcy, Samantha, Jake and Tom"