• Carole Ruth Knoll Connell was born on April 28, 1944, in the family farmhouse in Decatur, MI. Two days shy of her 77th birthday, she went home to be with the  Lord.  Carole was a single Mother to James Ward Connell and Heather Ruth Connell Williams.

Carole worked hard to provide for her family, even returning to work full time 3 weeks after Heather was born.  No matter how busy her work schedule, Carole always found time to support her children in their extracurricular activities such as going to all of James' football games and orchestra events, Coaching Heather's softball teams, attending her swim meets, and chaperoning her marching band trips. Her children were always her first priority.

Carole attended Indiana University.  She received her Dental Hygienist License and practiced for over 47 years. Many of her patients became life-long friends.  Carole was a member of the Grandville United Methodist Church for over 40 years and made close friends within the congregation.  When Carole was a little girl and into her adulthood, her mother Dorrie Lou sang in their family church. Inspired by her mother, Carole loved the classical singer Andrea Bocelli.  Although Carole couldn't sing very well, her "singing" was well known by all family and friends, to her Mother's embarrassment.

At an early age, the importance of ice cream was well understood amongst all her Grandchildren. Carole loved to take long, scenic drives.  If one of her Grandchildren were lucky enough to be invited, that child knew two things for certain: One, there would be ice cream involved and two, her rule was it had to be gone before arriving home so the other Grandchildren wouldn't feel left out.  Carole always kept a high standard of fairness when it came to her Grandchildren. Fairness was always a priority, she would state, however, most understood that Austin and Cash could do NO wrong in Grandma's eyes.  We won't use the word "favorite" but..........

James and Heather's best friends became second children to Carole because that's how contagious her love was.

"A grandmother's love is forever. Although you are not here physically, I know you are here  always." - Granddaughter, Ariel Williams Joyce

"I never could imagine a day without you in my life.  Now that day has come and I don't know what to do other than to continue to make you proud of me. I miss you Grandma, and I love you so much!" -
Granddaughter, Kiara Williams

"I want to thank you for not only being my Grandma but my friend. You always tried to understand me and you were patient, even thr ough my 'satanic' screamo music phase. I will forever cherish you. I love you so much Grandma, it's not goodbye, just a small farewell." - Granddaughter, Tamya Williams

"Thank you for always being there for me!  I loved our adventurous car rides together. I love you." - Grandson, Austin Williams

"As many times as we sang 3 little birds together, I know not to worry and that "everything will be alright." I'm grateful for every car ride, ice cream date, and store run I've ever had with you! I love
you Grandma Carole." -Granddaughter, Jersey Sandoval

"I enjoyed our long talks, you always made me laugh." -Grandson, Devin Aguirre

"Grandma Carole- my favorite "Pita" in the entire world. Before being my grandmother, you were my best friend, my movie partner, my advice giver, my everything! I hope you can still hear our conversations up there in Heaven. Rest peacefully." -Granddaughter, Vanessa Gutierrez

"I remember when you would pick me up from work late at night from Subway.  I'm sure it was the last thing you wanted to do but you never complained.  I was usually having a bad day and your response to that was always, want to get some ice cream?  We had some of our best talks while eating ice cream together in the car. I will remember them always."  -Grandson, Alex Gutierrez

"I know you will live on in my heart forever but I still wish you were here with me.  You are sweeter than the best chocolate ever made." -Grandson, Cash Connell

"Thank you for taking me to Cool Cow Creamery and always sharing your ice cream with me.  You are so sweet, you are my Daisy." -Granddaughter, Presley Connell