Carolyn Belanus

Carolyn Melissa Belanus - 94 years old - Born November 8, 1931 in Cushing Oklahoma- Died on Christmas Day December 25th 2025 in Artesia New Mexico.

Her parents were Roman and Verda Merritt.

She was the youngest of 4 children and pre deceased by her brother Bruce Merritt and sister in law Lu Merritt. Sister Ronna Lee and her husband Max Apodaca . And brother Don Merritt.

She moved to New Mexico when she was 3 years old and resided in Albuquerque. She graduated from Albuquerque High School and then attended Secretarial School. She worked at Sandia Laboratories on the base in Albuquerque, and subsequent other secretary jobs throughout the years.

She married TJ Williams Jr and they had 3 children; Craig, Karen and Sandy . Her main focus in life were her children. She was always the Homeroom Mom that brought homemade cupcakes and cookies to every party and on our birthdays. She put her kids in swimming lessons and swim team, Piano lessons, Craig in Baseball, and Karen and Sandy in tap, ballet, jazz and gymnastics.

She was an avid gardener and would grow the best tomatoes, cantaloupe's cherries, peaches and all sorts of veggies and fruits; canning and preserving them. She had a great love for flowers with many varieties in her lush yard. She was the President of the Artesia Garden Club for many years. She would often submit single flowers and flower arrangements at the Artesia Fair and win Blue, Red and White Ribbons.

She had a soft spot in her heart for animals and had many dogs , cats and litters of kittens.

She loved her Country and was very political; typing out countless letters to her senators and congressmen in New Mexico.

She was pre deceased by her second husband Gary Belanus , her daughter Karen Shelton, son in law Bill Shelton and grandson Colton Shelton .

Surviving family members include her son Craig Williams , daughter Sandy Tevis . Grandkids Tao Chumbley, Tevis Yates and Tyler Shelton . Tao's husband Robert Chumbley , Tyler's wife Kori Shelton. Great Grandchildren TJ Yates, Lilian Chumbley, Margo Chumbley, Reid Chumbley, Cyrus Shelton and his brother Evren.

She was residing at Artesia Health Care and Rehabilitation Center when she passed and was known for " The woman with the beautiful blue eyes".

She is loved dearly by all her family and will be missed physically, but always alive in spirit.