Carole Lynn Sheffield, (nee-Gruetter), 87, passed away on February 14, 2026, surrounded by her loving husband Philip and her children Scott and Sally, leaving behind an incredible legacy. Carole was a kind-hearted soul who had the ability to make everyone feel special. Mother to Scott (Lynn) Sheffield, Sally Sheffield (John) Kloepfer, 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and teacher of thousands of young people over the course of her career, Carole tried to make a difference in the lives of all paths she crossed.

Born in Toledo, Ohio, on September 29, 1938, Carole graduated from Toledo Waite High School in 1956 and went on to study Elementary Education at Bowling Green State University. A devoted member of the Delta Gamma Sorority, Carole met a young education major and Phi Delta Theta student named Phil, who became the cherished love of her life. They married on August 22, 1959, at Toledo’s St. Mark’s Lutheran Church where she was a member, and were married for almost 67 years. Their BGSU Education influence continued on over the years as many in the family also became educators in a variety of concentrations.

Carole began her teaching career in the Amherst Exempted Village School System as a kindergarten teacher and completed her career at Midview Local School District where she retired in 2002.

Along with her immediate family, Carole is survived by her brother Terry Gruetter, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents Harry A. Gruetter, Lillian Christel Gruetter, an infant son, mother-in-law Phyllis Campbell Sheffield, father-in-law Willard Sheffield Sr., brothers-in-law Bill and Don Sheffield, sisters-in-law Myra Sheffield, Judith Gruetter and Marilyn Gruetter, and nephew Brian Sheffield.

Visitation will be held prior to a Celebration of Life Service at Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home in Elyria, Ohio from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday February 28, 2026. The service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with a family graveside burial service to be scheduled later this spring.

Memorial donations can be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Midview Education Association.

A special thank you to the care that was provided to Carole by the staff of Beacon House Memory Care of Wesleyan Village.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com