Shellie "Shell" L (Kurrasch) Caton

Shellie “Shell”, or Nina if you were lucky, L Caton, 64, of Indianapolis, passed away on February 4, 2025.

Shell was born in Johnson County, IN on January 27, 1961 to John T and Barbara (Inabnitt) Kurrasch.  Shell was a homemaker, a certified hippy, and a hell of a mom.

Shell was the strongest woman you could ever hope to meet, when she got another cancer diagnosis her response was to merely shrug and say “well I beat it once already.”  She could out stubborn a mule and had no qualms about going toe to toe with anyone who disrespected her kids.  She was not one to mince words, and she did not care who you were, she was going to speak her mind.  Shell was THE person to talk to when you had a problem, big or small.  She could make you feel better, even if what she told you wasn’t what you wanted to hear. 

Shell was a true hippy, down to her signature scent, which was patchouli, and being covered in tattoos.  She was constantly altering her clothes, especially with patches.  It seemed like every time she wore a pair of shorts or jeans they had a new patch on them.  She was forever barefoot and always made sure her feet looked good, nails always painted her color -red- and toe rings always in place.  Her accessories were always on point with her outfits.  Not limiting herself to just patches, but Shell did every craft known to man and probably some she made up.  She had countless supplies and kept them everywhere, a trait she passed on to at least one granddaughter. 

Shell was a big fan of the sun, whether it was making her sun tea that had her grandchildren counting down the hours until it was ready, or laying out and soaking up it’s rays herself, she was happiest in it’s light.  She was a surprisingly good baker, telling everyone the secret ingredient was love.   Shell went all out for Christmas and made sure every single one was awesome for her kids, and later her grandkids. 

Perhaps the thing Shell was known best for was her deep love of music; it transcended her to another place.  She shared songs with her loved ones frequently and bought every album her children wanted.  She taught many in her family how to play guitar and told them all the same thing “You don’t need a tuner and I’m not buying you one. Do it by ear.”  There was always a song in her head, and she was always tapping a beat on her knee.

She was taken far too soon, but there is comfort in knowing she is reunited with her father and nephew in heaven.

Shell is survived by her children Katie (Calvin Dumas) Sosbe and Keith (Mary) Caton; grandchildren Aaron Thomas, Emmajen Rosa-Lynn, Wyatt Keith, Ian and Brisa Dumas; siblings Cynthia Edwards, Richard Kurrasch, and Gregory Kurrasch Sr; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends and extended family members; and a host of bonus grandchildren who all called her “Nina”.

Shell is preceded in passing by her parents John and Barbara Kurrasch; and her beloved nephew Gretory Jr.

Per Shell’s wishes, there will be no services.  In deference to her deep love of music, the family just asks you listen to your favorite song in her honor, taking a few minutes to slow down and appreciate the little things.

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