Carol Jean Smith

Carol Jean Smith, 74, of Grundy Center, Iowa, formerly of Lincoln, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at Arlington Place in Grundy Center. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Abels Funeral and Cremation Service, Engelkes Chapel, in Grundy Center. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, December 18, 2023, at the American Lutheran Church in Grundy Center. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. Memorials may directed to the family.

Carol was born on June 1, 1949, in New Hampton, Iowa to her parents Karl and Dorothy (Nixt) Hayungs. She was raised in Holland and graduated from Grundy Center High School. Carol was united in marriage to Gary Smith on July 7, 1967, at the American Lutheran Church in Grundy Center. They welcomed three daughters into their family and made their home in Holland and later, Lincoln, Iowa.

Carol retired from Grundy Center Community Schools after 17 years of driving bus. She was a member of the American Lutheran Church. Carol enjoyed sewing, reading, and baking. She was known for her potato salad, holiday food trays and she loved celebrating big family holidays. After retirement she joined her husband on his travels driving truck. The two also adored their time with their dog, Lil' Bear.

Carol is survived by her daughters April (Mark) LeFevere and Angela Engelkes (Dale Meyer Jr.); grandchildren Vital (Lacey) LeFevere, Arimie LeFevere, Lloyd LeFevere, Elizabeth (Charles) Clayton, Emily Engelkes, Kendra (Chance) Beierschmitt, Kayla Vavroch, Sydney Vavroch, and Austin Engelkes; great-grandchildren Carter, Hunter, Everett, Stetson, and Kayden; sister Francys Harms; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Gary Smith; daughter Chandra Smith; siblings Earl, Frank, Marie, and Karla.