Carole Shelton

The Life and Love Story of Carole Lee Shelton

Carole Lee Shelton grew up in Spokane, Washington, alongside her identical twin sister, Cheryl, and their two older sisters, Norma and Marcia. The four girls were raised by their mother, Mary, a strong and devoted single mother who worked hard to provide for her daughters.

As a teenager, Carole worked at Spokane's beautiful Manito Park, where she left behind a little piece of herself that remains to this day. Her handprint is embedded in the concrete beside a park bench, a lasting reminder of a young girl whose life would take her on quite a journey.

Carole became the proud mother of two children, her daughter, Amanda, and her son, David. During much of their childhood, she worked as a blackjack dealer, a career that would become a significant part of her working life.

Her journey eventually took her from Mountain Home, Idaho, to Reno, Nevada, where she moved with her children following her divorce from their father, Don, in approximately 1982.

But one of the most remarkable chapters of Carole's life was her love story with Ken.

Carole and Ken first met around 1977. Although circumstances prevented them from being together at the time, they shared an undeniable connection and a deep understanding of one another. They were soulmates who had found each other at the wrong time in their lives.

When their paths separated, both continued on with their lives, but the connection they shared was never entirely forgotten. They had hoped to find their way back to one another, but life had other plans.

Years passed, and attempts to reconnect were unsuccessful. Unbeknownst to Carole, circumstances beyond her control had kept her letters from reaching Ken, leaving her believing he no longer wanted contact.

Then, after approximately fourteen years apart, the phone rang.

It was Ken.

After all those years, their connection was still there. The love that had once brought them together was rekindled, and this time, they weren't going to let life pull them apart again.

Ken eventually moved to Sparks, Nevada, to be with Carole, and the two married shortly afterward. What began as a love story interrupted by time and circumstance became a beautiful second chance at happiness.

They remained husband and wife until Carole passed away on June 25, 2017.

Carole's life was filled with family, change, challenges, and a love story that proved some connections are simply too strong for time or distance to erase.

She left behind memories that continue to live in the hearts of those who loved her, from her childhood days in Spokane to the family she raised and the life she built in Nevada.

And for those who knew her best, three little numbers will always carry a very special meaning.

143.

One number for each word: I Love You.

It was Carole's special way of expressing her love, and it remains a beautiful reminder that although she is no longer physically here, the love she gave will never disappear.

143, Mom. Always and forever. ❤️