Carol Jean Gilmore

CAROL JEAN GILMORE...

was born to Carl and Ethel (Ditmeyer) Smith on December 13, 1924 in Pipestone, Minnesota where she was raised and received her education. After her graduation from Pipestone High School, she was employed at the Bell Telephone Company in Pipestone. On April 14, 1947 (wedding was April 19, 1947), she was united in marriage to Willard Gilmore in Mankato, Minnesota. Following their marriage, they resided in Pipestone where Carol continued working for Bell Telephone. She later became employed for Pipestone County in the Treasurer's Department. On January 24, 2010, Willard preceded her in death. After his death, she continued living in Pipestone until February of 2014 when she moved to Rochester, Minnesota and became a resident of Cottagewood Senior Living Community. On Thursday, January 7, 2016, Carol passed away at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota at the age of 91 years and 25 days.

Carol was a member of Peace United Methodist Church in Pipestone where she was active in the church choir, circle, church council and prayer chain. She was also a member of Chapter C PEO, the American Legion Auxiliary, Eastern Star, the Hiawatha Club, Co-chairperson of the Bicentennial all class reunion in 1976, served 6 years on the Good Samaritan Advisory board and was a charter member of the Al Opland Singers. She enjoyed reading, playing bridge and going to church. She especially loved spending time with her family.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Charles and his wife LeeAnn Gilmore of Rochester, Minnesota, and Brian and his wife JoAnne Gilmore of Winona, Minnesota; eight grandchildren, Sara Gilmore, Matthew Gilmore, Alison Schlosser and her husband Luke, Rachel Gilmore, Emily Casey and her husband Aaron, Ellen Jewison and her husband David, Casey and Kyle Link; 11 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Carl and his wife Jo Smith of Fairmont, Minnesota. She is preceded in death by her husband, Willard; one son, Bruce; her parents; one brother, Marlo Smith; and one sister, Lucille Smith.