Shelby Caruso

Published by editor on Wed, 02/11/2026 - 10:44am

Shelby Rae Caruso, 28, of Rippey, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Rippey United Methodist Church. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Memorials may be directed to her mother, Penny Scott. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Shelby was born on August 27, 1997, the daughter of Bradley Caruso and Penny (Millard) Scott.

Shelby had an unselfish, loving heart and a big imagination. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was known for saying the most unexpected things, always keeping those around her laughing. She loved gaming in all forms - video games, arcades, and LEGO creations. She enjoyed watching series on Netflix, cartoons, and reminiscing about the past. Shelby was a true foodie who especially loved fruit, pasta, and pizza, and she found comfort in fidget toys, squishies, and Squishmallows.

Family meant everything to Shelby. She treasured time spent playing with her nephews and niece, visiting with family, playing cards, and being surrounded by loved ones. She had a deep love for animals and made friends easily, loving everyone she met. Shelby enjoyed traveling, fishing, camping, adventures, and vacations - especially trips to the beach and Florida - creating memories filled with laughter and joy.

She is survived by her mother, Penny Scott and her husband Steve of Rippey; her father, Bradley Caruso and his wife Kelley of Ocala, Florida; her sister, Kara Bittner and her husband Keith of Adel, and their children Caspian, Raddex, and Lydia, all of Adel; grandparents George Millard of Rippey, John and Janet Scott of Des Moines, and Connie Johnson (Paul Levesque) of Nauvoo, Illinois; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Marilyn Millard, her grandfather, Ted Johnson; and great-uncle, Vern Lavere Derry.

All Who Knew Her, Loved Her.