Carol A. Buckwalter

Carol Ann Buckwalter, 84, of Rockford, died surrounded by her loving family on July 9, 2024. Born on January 4, 1940, in Galesburg, IL to Eugene and Francis Ashbaugh; Carol was the second oldest of five children. On June 15, 1957, she married Lawrence W. “Larry” Buckwalter who remained the love of her life for 67 years.

Carol was a very devout Christian, active at Saint Rita Catholic Church for many years as a eucharistic minister. She was also active for numerous years serving lunch at Saint Elizabeth Center and volunteering in her daughter’s RPS classrooms.

Carol was a loving and caring mother and grandmother who attended and cheered at every baseball, softball, football, basketball game and swim meet that her children and grandson participated.

Prior to her illness, Carol was an avid reader consuming two books a week. Carol also enjoyed traveling with family to Wisconsin, Boston/Cape Cod, Nashville, Florida, Jamaica, and California. She also enjoyed the occasional gambling trip to the riverboats or going to Las Vegas. However, her most favorite time, was having the family over at the house and around the pool and then making her famous fried chicken!

Prior to her retirement in 2002, Carol worked the majority of her career as an office administrator at Weiman Furniture, Atwood Manufacturing and Dean Foods.

Carol is survived by her loving husband, Larry; son Vint (Susan Salvi) Buckwalter of Rockford; daughter, Shelley of Rockford; grandson Christian of Chicago; sister, Janet Green of Moline, IL; sister, Sandra (John) Bahling of Machesney Park, IL; and brother William (Madonna) Ashbaugh of Clinton, IA; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Carol was predeceased by her parents, Eugene and Francis Ashbaugh, and her sister and brother-in-law, Barbara (Robert) Leavens and her niece Pam Kittrell.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. through 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will immediately follow at 11:00 am at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL, 61108, with Reverend William Wentink officiating. Private burial (for immediate family) at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to give thanks to the staff of Grand Regency of Rockford Supportive Living and Unity Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association – 1111 S. Alpine Rd, Suite 307, Rockford, IL 61108, or Unity Hospice – 915 Caron Road, Rochelle, IL 61068.