Carole J. Shartran Knapp Belcher

Belcher, Carole J. Shartran Knapp 91, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025. She was born in Springfield on August 31, 1933, to Theodore Joseph Thrasher and Anita Helen Printz. Carole's life was a testament to her deep faith and unwavering love for her family. She was a graduate of St. Bernard and Catholic Central High School, where she later dedicated 19 years of her life working in the Guidance & Development Office. She treasured her time there, finding great joy in her work and in the relationships, she built with the students and faculty. A true lover of life, Carole enjoyed many years of boating, golfing, and traveling. She cherished her winter months spent in Florida and was an avid volunteer for many years with Alzheimer's and an active member in the Towne Club and Red Hat Society here in Springfield. A woman of strong faith, she was a dedicated member of the Catholic Church. Carole often said she felt blessed to have had three wonderful husbands in her life. Above all, her greatest treasures were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Michelle (Melissa Ross) Shartran of Michigan; her grandchildren, Chelsea (Ryan) Rodgers and great-grandsons, Brantley and Landon Rodgers of Florida, Stefanie Portia Stanku (Jordan) of Illinois, and Zachery (Cora) Shartran; great-granddaughter, Adaline of Michigan; daughters-in-law, Dede Shartran and Barbara Duff of Florida; her sister, Shirley Chesney of Texas; her nephew, Bob (Liz Limber) Golden of Dayton; her niece, Cheri Davenport of Texas; a very dear cousin, Kathleen (Glenn) DeBoer and their children, Michael, Katie, and Mary and her special aunt, Beverly Thrasher. She is also survived by children of George and Harold, Kyle Knapp of Columbus, Tamera Belcher of Russells Point, Lynn (Kurt) Miller of Minnesota, Michael Belcher (Eric)of Columbus; and grandchildren, Lucie and Patrick Cunningham, and Brett and Natalie Miller. Justin and Mark Belcher and Olivia Belcher (Max), as well as many special Great-Grandchildren. Carole was preceded in death by her parents, and her 3 husbands, Frank Leo Shartran, Harold Knapp and George Belcher; and her children, Yvonne Shartran, Patrick Shartran, and Michael Shartran. She was also preceded in death by three very dear friends, Barbara Weikert, Ann McGrath, and Marianne Dunn. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, August 16 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bernard Church. In lieu of visitation, there will be a chance to gather and have lunch immediately after Mass at Metzdorf Hall next to the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Central, the Alzheimer's Association, or the Parkinson's Foundation. Arrangements by CONROY FUNERAL HOME.