Carol Ann Ellsworth

Carol Ann Ellsworth of Caro, age 87, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2024 at Springs Ranch Memory Care in Colorado Springs, Colorado with her son, Mike, by her side. Carol was born December 12, 1936, in North Buena Vista, Iowa, the daughter of the late Fred John and Hilda (Tschirgi) Brimeyer. She graduated from high school and went on to work for Montgomery Ward in Dubuque, Iowa. As luck would have it, Carol happened to be hired by her future husband, Rex K. Ellsworth. The pair were married on March 25, 1960, in Nashua, Iowa, and celebrated fifty-seven years before Rex’s passing in 2017. The couple moved to Caro in 1977, where they purchased a retail store of their own, Gambles Hardware. For more than thirty years, Rex and Carol were the familiar faces behind the counter at the local hardware and could be seen at virtually every downtown Caro event. A true pillar of the community and one of Caro’s biggest cheerleaders, Carol was named “Citizen of the Year”, on the village council for many years, and one of the founding board members of the beloved Pumpkin Festival and Gingerbread Festival. Known for her infectious smile and unwavering spirit, she volunteered countless hours at local charities, schools, and community events, always the first to lend a hand or offer words of encouragement. A devout catholic, Carol was a dedicated parishioner of St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church, and active with the Knights of Columbus Auxiliary. Her warmth touched the lives of many, and she had a unique ability to make everyone feel seen and valued. Above all, Carol had a profound love for her family and would go to great lengths for them. She was always active and found joy in gardening. Carol’s legacy of kindness and generosity will continue to live on and inspire all of those who knew her.

Carol leaves to cherish her memory her children, Paul Ellsworth of Caro, Jean Ellsworth (Craig DeGruchy) of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and Michael (Thea Larkin) Ellsworth of Colorado Springs, Colorado; grandchildren, Molly DeKruger and Rex Ellsworth; sister, Laura (Leon) Sigwarth; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Carol was preceded in death by her son, Bobby Ellsworth; siblings, Alvin Brimeyer, Selma (Bill) Boyce, Bob (Ginny) Brimeyer, Stella (Matt) Hefel, Nick (Verna) Brimeyer, Mildred (Norbert) Tressel, Earl (LaVonne) Brimeyer, and Harvy (Shirley) Brimeyer. Carol welcomed her brother, Greg Brimeyer, home to heaven just seventeen hours after her passing.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church in Caro with Rev. Isaac Madanu officiating. The family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro and again at church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of her service. A rosary will be held on Thursday at the funeral home at 7:00 p.m. to conclude the visitation. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Association or St. Christopher Parish.