SOUTH WHITLEY – Carolyn Joan Eberly, 91, of South Whitley, died peacefully at 7 a.m. Nov. 18, 2023, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Warsaw.
Born on July 4, 1932, in Kosciusko County, she was a daughter of the late DeVerl E. and Rubie Clara Ayres Montel. She began school at Maple Grove and then moved to Sidney School until sixth grade when the family moved to Laketon. She graduated from Laketon High School in 1950.
On Sept. 9, 1951, she married Dean M. Eberly. They made their home on a farm in Cleveland Township, beginning their 66-year journey together, raising two children. Dean died on Feb. 4, 2017.
In addition to being a farm wife and raising the children, she worked 30 years as the librarian for the South Whitley Elementary School.
She was a member of the former Spring Creek Church, Sidney, Delta Theta Tau, Theta Kappa Chapter 1961 and the former chair of the South Whitley United Way.
An avid card player, she belonged the local bridge card club and enjoyed playing euchre. Always fond of infants, she was drawn to any child nearby, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Through the years, she collected porcelain dolls and Westmoreland hen-on-nest glass dishes. In her younger years, spring was mushroom hunting season, collecting and cooking the delectables. In her senior years, she liked listening to the Gaithers’ gospel music or watching her favorite daytime television soaps.
Surviving are her children, Marvin D. (Deb) Eberly, of Warsaw; and Pam S. Sherbahn, of South Whitley; grandchildren: Ted Nixon, Brad Eberly, Ginger Schuh, Cari Juillerat, Lisa Osborne and Paul Eberly; 12 great-grandchildren; a brother, Bob (Linda) Montel, of Warsaw; a sister, Phyllis Price, of Hobart; and a sister-in-law, Linda Montel, of Mentone.
Additionally, she was preceded in death by brothers, Larry and Roger Montel; a half brother, Richard Sellers; and a son-in-law, Craig Sherbahn.
The funeral service is at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. Burial is at the South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorials in Carolyn’s honor are to Delta Theta Tau or the South Whitley Elementary Library.
Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.