Carolyn Ruth McElhaney

Carolyn McElhaney, residing at Shadow Mountain Memory Care, succumbed to the debilitating effects of Lewy body dementia on July 1, 2022, at the age of 76. Cari was born and raised in the Detroit area, graduating from McKenzie High School. She earned a degree in elementary education from the University of Michigan in 1968 and began her teaching career in Lincoln Park. She married Ronald McElhaney in 1969. Ron entered active duty as an officer in the United States Army in 1971. Cari loved the role of officer's wife and was active in the communities where they were posted. While at White Sands Missile Range, she served as a Girl Scout troop leader --- before she had children of her own. After Ron's separation from the Army, the couple returned to the Detroit area before moving to Arizona in 1978. Cari took time off from teaching to tend to her young children and then resumed teaching in the Paradise Valley Unified School District where she taught for more than 20 years, primarily as a fourth-grade teacher. She earned her master's degree in education from Northern Arizona University. Cari loved visiting national parks and enjoyed many camping adventures with her family, inc...[more]

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ing camping with Ron on the Outer Banks of North Carolina on their honeymoon. More recently, she valued family trips to Hawaii, Canada, and Europe. Cari was strong-willed, but she had a sweet personality and positive approach that enabled her to prevail in difficult situations. She was an avid reader and was passionate about learning, impacting countless people as a teacher, Cub Scout den mother, Girl Scout troop leader, and Sunday school teacher. Cari was an active member of the Presbyterian Women at Valley Presbyterian Church, and she demonstrated her faith by consistently treating all people with kindness and respect. Family was most important in Cari's life. She was a devoted daughter, involved mother, and grandmother who delighted in her grandchildren, caring for them when their parents were working. She enjoyed spending time with Ron in all kinds of activities - enjoying the outdoors, attending sporting and cultural events, and volunteering as marching band hosts for the Fiesta Bowl. Cari was pre-deceased by her parents Malcolm and Mary Etta, and brother Malcolm. She is survived by husband Ron, son Tom, daughter Laurie Herrmann (Knut), grandchildren Kai and Zoe, and nephew David Smith. A celebration of life will be held at Valley Presbyterian Church.