Carol Anne Leach

1935 - 2015

Carol Anne Leach

Des Moines

Carol Anne Leach, 80, died Saturday, August 29, 2015, at Kavanagh House of cancer.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 3700 Cottage Grove Ave., on Saturday, September 12, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, a reception and luncheon with the family present will be held in the Fellowship Hall at the church. Cremation has taken place, and a private interment will be scheduled at a later time.

Carol was born to Roland M. and Mabel Golden Leach on June 11, 1935, in Worcester, Massachusetts. She spent her early years in Massachusetts and New Jersey before the family moved to Maine, where she graduated from Wilton Academy in 1952. She loved visiting New England and feeling her "Down East Yankee" roots.

She attended Graceland College in Lamoni, IA for two years, where she met her husband, Donald J. Carter. They were married on September 4, 1954, and had two children, David L. and Jocelyn M. They lived in the Philadelphia, PA area for 13 years before moving back to Iowa in 1967. They were divorced in 1975.

Carol moved to Des Moines, and completed her B.A. at Drake University School of Journalism in 1977. She was employed as a Civil Rights Specialist at the Iowa Civil Rights Commission for 23 years, originating many of their educational programs and publications. She was married to Jerry K. Groh from 1979 to 1990, but remained his friend until his death in 2013.

After retirement at the end of 2000, she volunteered with several organizations, most notably the Iowa Civil Rights Commission and the Drake University Adult Literacy Center. In 2003, she received the Governor's Volunteer Service Award. For six years she was employed by Des Moines University in the SPAL program, helping to train medical students. She was a quiet activist, supporting many organizations as an advocate for justice and equal rights. As a member of Grace United Methodist Church, she gave of her time and talents.

Carol was an avid reader and was devoted to literary causes. She was a member of the Writers Seven Group, and was a published free-lance writer and poet. In childhood she learned the arts of sewing, knitting, and crocheting, and continued these skills throughout her life. Theatre, concerts, and art shows were favorite events. She enjoyed traveling, particularly with Elderhostel programs, and had attended over 20 programs in various parts of the country, as well as service projects for other organizations. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were all very dear to her. The family's beloved Scottie dogs, Sam, Frannie, Archie, and Harley gave her their unconditional love over the years. In 2002, she moved to Wesley Acres, and enjoyed being part of that community. She loved her balcony garden and feeing the birds. Carol had no favorite teams as she disliked all sports; however, she usually cheered for the underdog in any situation.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, David and Kathy Carter of Elk River, Minnesota and her daughter, Jocelyn Carter (Michael Shearn) of Des Moines; six grandchildren, Rodney Hill (Aaron Hertzler), Christine Hernandez, Lacy Krugler (Shane), Natalie Webster (Zach), Joseph Carter (Maia), and Jason Carter (Kristen); ten great-grandchildren; brother, Roland M. Leach, Jr. of Pennsylvania; and three nephews.

Memorials may be directed to Bidwell Riverside Center, Wesley Acres Good Samaritan Fund, or the Drake University Adult Literacy Center.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.