Carolyn Alice (Gaddis) Renbarger, 90, devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed from this earth into the arms of her Savior on December 26, 2018.
Carolyn was the sixth of 11 children born to Russell and Elizabeth (Thomas) Gaddis. Carolyn attended Back Creek Schools and graduated from Fairmount High School. She was active on the family farm, played the clarinet in band, participated in cheerleading and baton twirling, and was involved with the Back Creek Friends Church.
She met the love of her life, Phillip H. Renbarger, at Rural Youth in 1947 and later married on September 19, 1948, at Fairmount Friends Church. They began their married life in the Homestead Farm Home built by Phillip’s great-grandfather in Richland Township. The homestead was quickly filled with five children. She and her husband modeled their faith in God, loyalty to Richland Chapel United Methodist Church, and dedication to their marriage and family. Carolyn treasured her family and loved to encourage them. Her children once calculated that Phil and Carolyn attended more than 2,000 sporting or music events supporting their children and grandchildren in their various endeavors.
Carolyn exemplified the strength and dignity of an excellent wife and mother mentioned in Proverbs 31. She was active in Farm Club, Farm Bureau, Home Ec Club, and served as a youth sponsor at Richland Chapel. Her hands were never idle as she partnered with her husband in their dairy business, gardening, and other farming ventures. She loved to prepare meals for her family and guests. Her delicious homemade pies and apple dumplings were favorites to many in the community.
Carolyn’s children thank God for her life. She provided a feeling of belonging and unconditional love and a true definition of Christian values. Her children rise up and call her blessed (Proverbs 31:28).
Carolyn will be greatly missed by her five children, Anthony (Michele) Renbarger, Louisville, KY; Terry (Rosie) Renbarger, The Villages, FL; Rosemary (Rick) Baas, Marion, IN; Phillip (Renee) Renbarger, Marion, IN; Gail (David) Greene, Greentown, IN; 12 grandchildren and 4 step-grandchildren survive; Russell (Britney) Renbarger; Amanda (Brian) Turner; Teryn Renbarger; Kalyn (Tim) Roessner; Raayn Renbarger; Rhydonna (Tony) Hyden; Rochelle (Ryan) Brothers; Adam (Kristin) Renbarger; Eric (Melissa) Renbarger; Jaclyn (Albert) Myer; Matthew (Beth) Coleman; Michael Greene; Stephanie (John) Kelly; Paige (Chip) Gaddis; David (Amanda) Wheatley; Amy Wheatley; 21 great-grandchildren; sisters, Marilyn Myers and Joan Trout; and brother, Bill (Mary) Gaddis.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years in 2009; siblings, Evelyn Moore, James Gaddis, Betty Duke, Sylvia Clark, Mahlon Gaddis, Jane and Jean Gaddis.
The family will receive visitors from 12 noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 29, 2018, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
A service celebrating Carolyn’s life will begin at 2 p.m. with Pastor Carolyn Mikesell officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory.
Memorial contributions may be made to Richland Chapel UMC, 5026 N. 900th W. #27, Converse, IN 46919 or Converse Church of Christ, 301 E. Wabash St., Converse, IN 46919.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.