Carol Genedith Ashton, of Warsaw, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, in the care of Cedar Creek of Warsaw assisted living at the age of 89.
She was born on Sept. 7, 1935, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Gene DeMar Smith and Roy Fredrick Dawson. Carol was a “Navy Brat,” and wherever she was at, she was always involved in various activities. In high school she loved being in the chorus, was very athletic, was a competitive swimmer, and part of the drill team. At the young age of 19, Carol knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Duane Richard Ashton. They were married on July 23, 1955, and were blessed with 36 years of marriage before Duane passed away on Nov. 17, 1991.
Carol loved being a stay-at-home mom until all of her six kids were in school and then worked to help support the family. She always found employment and was great at adapting to whatever life threw at her. Carol worked at the Holiday Inn, Petros Restaurant, Da-Lite Screen in Warsaw and even as a proofreader for R.R. Donnelley & Sons in Elgin, Illinois, for many years. She loved going on road trips and could always be found reading a book. Carol loved Jeopardy and was the “Queen of Trivia” at Cedar Creek of Warsaw. Her life wasn’t always easy, Carol just simply rolled with the punches. She dearly loved her family and friends and always recognized the importance of staying connected. Carol was a wonderful, strong and loving person who would do anything for her loved ones.
She will forever be lovingly remembered by her four sons: Barry (Donna) Ashton, Warsaw; Daniel (Susan) Ashton, South Haven, Miss.; Keith Ashton, Rockford, Ill.; David (Connie) Ashton, St. Germain, Wis.; and two daughters, Kathleen “Kathy” (Devon) Wood, Warsaw; Doreen (Michael) Millington, Tasmania. She leaves behind her beloved 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Morgan Smith, Florida; and her sister, Debbie (Henry) Messina, Sterling, N.Y. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Duane.
Carol’s life will be celebrated privately by her family. Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.
Memorial donations may be directed to Kosciusko County Community Foundation Inc., 102 E. Market St., Warsaw, IN 46580 …. please put in memo line to be designated to “Kosciusko County Riley Kids Fund”; or to Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Indiana Chapter, 50 E. 91st St. - Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.