Carol Jean Earl, 68, of Austin, Minn., died on Thursday, July 25, 2013, at Mayo Health Systems Austin.

Carol was born May 11, 1945, in Austin to Orville Miller and LaDonna (Perkins) Miller. She attended school in Austin and married Merlyn Sheldon in 1970. She was also married to Don Earl until his death in 1996. She worked as a crossing guard for many years before her career as a bailiff for Mower County.

Carol enjoyed people and making friends. She went out of her way to help others. She loved camping, collecting angels and crafts. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. Carol also enjoyed attending AA meetings. She died with 34 years of sobriety.

She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Merlyn Sheldon I, husband Donald Earl and an infant son.

Carol is survived by her son Merlyn Sheldon II (Dawn Hegna) of Mantorville, Minn.; daughter Margaret Earl of Austin; sisters, Judy Weatherly of Stewartville, Minn., Marlys and Gary Troe of Lake Mills, Iowa, Paulette and Doug Page of Elysian, Minn.; brother Paul Miller of Austin; grandchildren, Merlyn Sheldon III, Michael Sheldon, Mercedeez Sheldon, Chandler Pratt and Chantel Pratt; several nieces and nephews; stepdaughters, Darla Halstead of Nevada and Janet Sward of Albert Lea, Minn.

Funeral services for Carol Earl will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at 10 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. There will be visitation one hour prior to services at the church and also on Monday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. at Mayer Funeral Home in Austin. Condolences for the family may be left at www.mayerfh.com.