Carol Jean (‘Lovey’) Strayer, age 83, joined our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven on Friday, May 15, 2026. She was born on May 1, 1943, in Garrett, IN to Bernard and Edith Lower. She was married to Norman Strayer in Kendallville, IN on May 8, 1965.
Carol was a graduate of Kendallville High School (Class of 1961), Manchester College (Class of 1965) with a major in Business Education, and University of Saint Francis, with a master’s degree in 1969. She taught at Columbia City and New Haven High Schools. After becoming a stay-at-home mom to raise her children, Carol returned to the classroom to teach HeadStart for ten years at North Webster Elementary School.
Carol’s faith was especially important to her. She performed many acts of kindness without drawing attention to herself. She was the rock of the family; she always made sure the children felt loved and at home. She was a wonderful mother and loving grandmother.
Carol is survived by her husband Norman Strayer of 61 years; children Kevin Strayer of Bellbrook, OH and Renee (Steve) McCall of Fort Wayne, IN; grandchildren Ethan (Dani) McCall of Manhattan, KS, Etheny McCall of Cedarville, OH, Kaden Strayer of Abilene, TX, Kellen Strayer of Cincinnati, OH, and Kaylee Strayer of Troy, OH; sister Beverly Lower of Fort Wayne, IN; sister-in-law Karen Van Wagner of Auburndale, FL; plus many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, father- and mother-in-law Marion and Bertha Strayer, and brother-in-law Paul Van Wagner.
In keeping with Carol’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral services. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date. Any contributions in her memory may be made to the charity of your choice.