Carolyn Spaw

World War II was still an everyday talk and concern in 1945 and the year brought light that the end of the war was nearing. That year nuclear bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki causing Japan to surrender on August 14th and with Adolf Hitler no longer in power after his death, the war ended on September 2. Most manufacturing was focused during the past four years on the War effort, but 1945 was the year that the microwave oven was invented and the assembly of the world's first general purpose electronic computer was completed. That same year on January 31, Joseph Herman and Mable Lavina (Strawser) Williams made the announcement of the birth of their daughter, Carolyn Sue Williams in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

At a young age Carolyn had challenges as a childhood illness left her with paralysis during the 3rd and 5th grade. She had help and was able to overcome her illness and would attend Elmhurst High School in Fort Wayne. On July 17, 1962 she married Larry Spaw and over the years, would welcome four children into their hearts and home, Lorie, Jacqueline, Angie and Gerry.

Carolyn took on the responsibilities of being a homemaker as her children grew up. As they grew older, she worked at Miller's Merry Manor, S&L Truck Stop, Wendy's, Walmart and at the BP gas station in Columbia City. She was a former member of the Amvets Ladies Auxiliary in South Whitley.

Her primary focus was her family. Carolyn loved being with her family and cherished the time spent with them. She had attended church with her family at Jesus Name Church in Fort Wayne and at Grace Lutheran Church in Columbia City. She enjoyed talking on the phone. When a NASCAR race was on, she was rooting on her favorite driver, Tony Stewart and liked to call Larry and let him know her driver was doing better than his. At Halloween, Carolyn enjoyed passing candy out, but always looked forward to seeing all the children dressed up and getting a chance to hold babies. She loved little kids and babysat many children over the years. She found relaxation in playing bingo, putting puzzles together and collecting bears.

Sweet, loving and carrying, Carolyn Spaw was very nurturing, giving, thoughtful and thinking of others. Anyone who was around here was blessed to have her touch their lives. Carolyn Sue Spaw, 73, of Columbia City, Ind. and formerly of South Whitley, passed away at 1:12 p.m. Friday, November 9, 2018 at Miller's at Oak Pointe where she had been a resident of since August.

She is survived by her children, Lorie (Thomas) Morimanno, of Fort Wayne, Jacqueline (Scott) Striggle, of South Whitley, Angie (Michael) Overdeer and Gerry Spaw, both of Columbia City; sisters, Gladys Hobbs, of Ossian, Linda Williams, of Fort Wayne and Judith (Jim) Williams, of New Haven; 10 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; lifelong companion, Larry L. Spaw.

Visitation is 11-12:45 p.m. Thursday, November 15, 2018 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. with Pastor Matt Converse officiating. Burial will follow at South Whitley Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to the Humane Society of Whitley County or Gideons International. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send her family condolences online.