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Caralene G. (Preston) Skelton, age 88, of Constantine, passed away on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at her home. Caralene was born in Three Rivers on June 17, 1931, a daughter of Harold and Edith (Clark) Preston. She attended Three Rivers High School. On October 24, 1948, she married Thomas Arthur Skelton, Sr. in Three Rivers; he preceded her in death on April 1, 1998.
Caralene worked in food service at Constantine Public Schools for 29 years before retiring. She also previously worked at Camp Wakeshma in food service and at the old Constantine Bakery and Grocery Stores. She loved to crochet, sew, and do crafts. She was a member of the Constantine Historical Society, Grandmother’s Club of Three Rivers, and the Messiah Lutheran Church card club. Caralene attended First Congregational Church United Church of Christ in Constantine. Most importantly, she adored time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is survived by her sons Thomas (Brenda) Skelton, Jr. and Mikeal (Marcia) Skelton, both of Constantine, and grandchildren Malinda (Doug) Bell and their children Jacob, Benjamin, and Alexander of Constantine, Andrew (Jessica) Skelton and their children Annabelle, Erin, Katherine, and Mikeal of Brighton, and Patrick (Toni) Skelton and their son David of Gobles. Also surviving are brother Leroy (Peg) Preston of Constantine, half sisters Suzanna Echola and Kathy Bergakker, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Harold Preston and Edith Nichols, husband, granddaughters Andrea and Erin Maxine, great grandsons Sean and Maxwell, sister Louise Lawson, and several half siblings.
Relatives and friends will be received Wednesday from 4 to 7pm at Eley Funeral Home, Constantine. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10AM at the Funeral Home with Pastor Marilyn Schlimgen officiating. Interment will follow in Constantine Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be given to St. Joseph County Victim Services. Online messages can be left for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.
