Carolyn Ann (Barnhart) Woodling

Carolyn Ann Barnhart Woodling, 89, of Carmel, passed away August 3, 2024. She was born July 3, 1935 in Indianapolis to Ralph and Martha Barnhart, joining older brother Ralph Lee. The family lived and worshiped in the Ben Davis Area of Indianapolis. Carolyn graduated from Ben Davis High School and maintained many lifelong friendships from her time in school and Mt. Olive Methodist Church.

While attending IU, a good friend from Ben Davis introduced her to a fellow Purdue classmate—her future husband Larry. They would have been married 67 years in September. Job opportunities took them literally coast to coast, including time in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Kokomo IN, California before finally settling ‘back home again’ in Carmel IN.

Carolyn graduated with Highest Honors from IU School of Nursing, a notable feat considering the rigorous program of the day.  She spent many years devoted to her nursing career in a variety of settings and did not let her nursing license lapse until well past 80. It was truly a calling. She was a resource and comfort to many during times of illness and uncertainty.

Her faith was central to Carolyn’s life and she served her Church communities in almost every way possible, and impacted many lives through teaching, outreach and fellowship.  She taught the Bethel Bible Study program and was a Stephen Ministry leader for many years. She shared several wonderful trips with church friends, including an especially meaningful trip to The Holy Lands. Carolyn was a member of PEO, where she helped bring in many new members to her chapter and served as Chapter President. Her gifts for hospitality and bringing people together brought joy to herself and the uncountable number who were welcomed into her home, shared a meal at church or received a homemade treat.

Carolyn enjoyed many hobbies including golf, her bowling league, Literary club and in later years crosswords and other word games.  She enjoyed arranging trips, and she and Larry visited all 50 states, including an entire family trip to Alaska. They were also fortunate to visit many locations in Europe as well as South Africa. Carolyn also joined Larry in appreciation of all things Purdue, often saying “I’ve been married to Purdue longer than I was at IU”.  They enjoyed a trip to Detroit just last March to see Purdue earn their spot in the Final Four.

Survivors include her husband, Larry; daughters, Amy (Rick) Dossey and Susan Woodling; four grandchildren, Eric Dossey, Ellen Dossey (Antonio Hernandez), Evan Dossey (Aly Caviness), Emma Dossey Curole (Jonathan); four great-grandchildren; and her niece, Debra (Jerry) Johnson.

She was a devoted aunt, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and never did understand “we’re going to have a small Christmas this year”. Her example of selfless love is a lasting legacy through the generations.

Family and friends will gather on Friday, August 9, 2024 from 4-7 pm in Orchard Park Presbyterian Church.

The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, August 10 at 11am with visitation one hour prior to the service at 10 am in the church. Carolyn's Funeral Service will be live-streamed via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eoa_q6QK7U

Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.

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