Shelby Anderson

Shelby Jean Anderson (Hazel) (Cartwright) was born on April 19, 1936 in Caraway Arkansas, the beloved only child of Toye Ann and Everett Hazel.  She passed away peacefully in Holland, Michigan on July 9, 2026.

From the time her feet could reach the pedals, Shelby lived her life through music.  After the family moved to Sidney Ohio during the depression, she grew up surrounded by community, faith and the piano that became her lifelong companion  She graduated from Sidney Public Schools, already known for her remarkable talent as an accompanist and performer. 

Shelby married Joseph Cartwright of Sidney, Ohio, and in 1963 they settled in Eaton Rapids, Michigan where they raised their three daughters: Jennifer, Sally and Carin.  Even while raising a young family, Shelby's passion for music never dimmed.  She returned to school in 1967, earning her master's degree in music education from Michigan State University, a milestone that reflected both her determination and her belief in the power of learning.

Shelby went on to teach private piano lessons and choral music in Springport, Ann Arbor and Eaton Rapids, touching countless lives with her gentle instruction, high standards and joyful spirit.  Her students remember her not only as a teacher but as someone who believed deeply in their potential. 

Beginning a new chapter in life, Shelby later married Harold Anderson, and together they made their home in Arcadia, Michigan.  The lakeshore provided a shared joy of long beach walks in search of prized "blue glass" and Petoskey stones, gardening, cooking projects in the kitchen and quiet mornings journaling together.  Family holidays were marked with cookie trays, laughter and crowding around the piano singing carols.  Her family was her greatest joy.

Retirement for Shelby was simply another stage of musical service, teaching Kindermusik, private lessons, and directing the choir at the First Congregational Church in Frankfort.

Shelby is survived by her daughters Jennifer Cartwright (Pam Turner), Sally Artibee (Larry), Carin Chunga (Larry); her stepdaughter Becky Jamros (John Sr.), her grandchildren Ian, Adam, Ryan, Caylee, Tala, John and Sarah; and her great-grandchildren Zada, Roman, Theo, Adrian, Veronica, and Thomas.

Shelby's remains will be interred at Conway Cemetery in Arcadia, Michigan later this year in a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Shelby by supporting a local music and arts program.