Carol J. Andrews

Beloved wife, mother, nana, sister and friend, Carol Jean Andrews, 63, of Shelbyville, Indiana, stepped into a joy filled eternity with Jesus Christ on December 27, 2021. Carol was born and grew up in Dearborn, Michigan. She graduated from Edsel Ford High School in 1976, and continued her education at Mercy College, now University of Detroit Mercy, earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She met her future husband, Mark, at a surprise birthday party for her, hosted by friends. They were married in 1982, in Michigan and lived in Kalamazoo, later relocating to Indianapolis then Shelbyville. Carol is survived by her family including her husband, Mark, of Shelbyville, Indiana; her son, Eric and daughter-in-law, Ashleigh of Muncie, Indiana; her daughters, Hilary Haymond and son-in-law, Kit, and Abigail, all of Shelbyville. She is also survived by her sister, Judy Blackwell and brother-in-law, Ed, of Dearborn, Michigan; Sue Radtke, a close family member; and several nieces and nephews. The great joys of her life were her four grandchildren who, for the record, she denied spoiling at all. She was happiest when watching them play or having fun experiences with them at the zoo or Children’s Museum. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Dorothy Radtke; brother, Larry Radtke; and niece, Courtney Radtke. Throughout her life, she found ways to serve and bless others. As a nurse, she performed long-term healthcare assessments and benefits determinations often advocating for the elderly and their care. She enjoyed spending time with her family, serving others and making good use of her cooking and baking skills. Carol was known as the “cookie lady,” baking cookies by the dozens to accompany meals for those in need. She was also always prepared to offer food for others and make her veggie dip by the gallon. Carol loved live theatre and enjoyed volunteering as the House Manager coordinating ushers for performances by the Shelby County Players. She loved attending the shows and laughing in the audience that was always heard at the perfect time. She always said she would play her part by being an audience member, “We can’t have a show without an audience!” For those interested in offering a memorial contribution, please send your check to the “Carol Andrews Memorial c/o Shelby County Players, PO Box 1129, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.” The family has entrusted the Freeman Family Funeral Home in Shelbyville, Indiana with the arrangements. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, December 30, 2021, at the funeral home, with Rev. Dennis Hirschauer officiating. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville. Online condolences may be shared with Carol’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.