Search by Name

Search by Name

BORN

1940

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Hoffman Funeral & Cremation, Ltd

2020 W Trindle Rd

Carlisle, Pennsylvania

Clare Colestock Obituary

Clare C. Colestock

September 10, 1940 - June 18, 2025

On June 18th, 2025 Clare "Ky" Crumay Colestock, gracefully left the world more beautiful than she found it. Her gentle and kind ways touched everyone that she met. Ky's magnificent works of art are a legacy of her brilliance. She taught us to embrace animals as family, there are no mistakes in art and to slow down to experience the simple joys and beauty all around us. She was witty, surprisingly sassy, and lived as fully as possible each day.

Ky was born on September 10, 1940, in Mercer, PA, to Hugh and Connie Crumay. She attended Mount Union College for 3 years and then completed training to become a Medical Technician. She married her best friend and the love of her life Tom Colestock on August 8, 1964. Their 61 years of marriage included travel, gardening, local and international volunteerism, building strong family relationships, and standing up for their beliefs in social justice. Ky was an accomplished artist working with a wide range of mediums - watercolor and oil painting, woodworking, glass lampworking and fusion, silver-smithing, jewelry making, clay work and pottery, sewing, and cooking.

Though she never was one to seek out the spotlight, her quiet strength, resilience and unconditional love have left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. She transformed life into art and love into legacy. She leaves behind her husband Tom Colestock; brother Mike Crumay (Diana); daughters Jill Gromen, Julie Willett, Dana Colestock; and cherished son-in-laws Tim Gromen and Chris Willett. Ky was enormously proud of her 5 grandsons - Ian Gromen, Alec Gromen, Bryce Willett, Evan Gromen, and Collin Willett.

Her absence has gone through us like thread through a needle, and everything we do is stitched with her colors.

A celebration of life will be held in the fall. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the Carlisle Arts Learning Center at https://www.carlislearts.org or the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area at https://www.humansocietyhbg.org.
Published by Carlisle Sentinel on Jun. 24, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Clare Colestock

Sponsored by Hoffman Funeral & Cremation, Ltd.

Not sure what to say?





1 Entry

Laverty

July 4, 2025

Tom and family, we are truly sorry you lost Ky. May many good memories help with your grief in days ahead. Please accept our sincere condolences. The Laverty family

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Clare Colestock's name

Memorial Events
for Clare Colestock

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Hoffman Funeral & Cremation, Ltd

2020 W Trindle Rd, Carlisle, PA 17013

How to support Clare's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Clare Colestock's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more