Carolyn Shotsky

Carolyn Beale Shotsky was a woman whose warmth, faith, and curiosity shaped every life she touched. Born to John Everett and Eleanor Eckle Beale, Carolyn carried the lessons of family and faith with her throughout a life filled with love, service, and quiet strength. On Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the age of 75, she passed from this life, leaving behind a legacy of devotion to God, family, and the written word. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 38 years, William L. Shotsky, and her sister, Patricia (John) Collier.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Carolyn took great pride in her family. She is survived by her brother Edwin (Elizabeth) Beale; her children Patrik (Holly) DePappe, William J. (Stacy) Shotsky, Douglas (Marlaina) Shotsky, Stephanie (Steven) Jones, and Karen (Jeff) Nevi; her grandchildren Cody, Kyle, Keith, Devon, Drew, Ellie, William D., Kady, Victoria, Jeremiah, Spencer, Cora, Sullivan, Leah, Sagan, Soren, and Shelby; and her great-granddaughter Aimsley. Her nieces Natalie and Suzanne, along with many friends, also mourn her passing. Carolyn’s family remembers her as a steady and loving presence—someone who celebrated their successes, offered comfort in hard times, and made ordinary moments feel special with her attention and care.

Carolyn’s gifts extended beyond family life. She was a lifelong learner with a special love for history. Weekends spent visiting museums and walking the grounds of historic battlefields reflected her desire to understand the stories that shaped the present. That same passion for detail and clarity guided her professional life. As a technical writer for 3M and Columbus Industries, Carolyn brought precision and patience to complex subjects, helping others understand and use information more effectively. Her colleagues remember her for her quiet competence, meticulous work, and helpful spirit.

Writing was not only her profession but her calling. Carolyn authored two published books that reflected her deep faith and desire to encourage others in their spiritual journeys. She hoped her writing would point readers toward Christ, and it did—bringing comfort, challenge, and encouragement to those who read her words. For Carolyn, writing was a way of serving; through stories, reflections, and practical guidance, she sought to share the peace and hope she found in her own faith.

Faith was at the center of Carolyn’s life. A faithful member of The Gathering Place Church in Washington Court House, she was active in her church community and took comfort in its fellowship, worship, and mission. Her faith informed how she loved her family, how she worked, and how she faced life’s joys and sorrows—with gratitude, humility, and a steady trust in God’s presence.

Those who knew Carolyn well speak of a woman who combined intellectual curiosity with genuine warmth. She cheered loudly for the Ohio State Buckeyes, delighted in discovering a well-curated museum exhibition, and treasured quiet times spent writing, reading, or praying. She had a generous heart and a gift for making people feel seen. Her legacy is carried on in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—each a living testament to the love she gave so freely.

Family and friends are invited to gather on TUESDAY, December 23, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 noon at PORTER-TIDD FUNERAL HOME, 331 W. Main Street, Mt. Sterling, Ohio. Interment will follow at Pleasant Cemetery in Mt. Sterling.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Gathering Place Church, 240 Courthouse Parkway, Washington Court House, OH 43160, or Mount Sterling Place, 160 West Main Street Mt. Sterling, OH 43143.