Carol Jean Huffman

Carol Jean Huffman, 88, of Van Buren passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, October 30, 2025, with family by her side. Carol now abides with her Savior Jesus Christ.
Carol was born in Findlay, on July 19, 1937, the daughter of the late Homer and Marguerite (Godwin) Bates. She graduated from Van Buren High School in 1955 and married her sweetheart, Bob Huffman. A lifelong homemaker and farm owner, Carol dedicated her life to family and friends. She provided a wonderful example of how to serve and care for others.
Ten years ago Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Wayne "Bob" Huffman, to whom she had been married for 60 years. Also preceding her in death were her parents; her brother, David Bates; and in-laws: Evelyn (Doc) Insley; Maxine (Oscar) Musgrave; Leah (Tom) Buchanan; Ann (Harry) Dangler; Jack (Esther) Huffman; and Doris Huffman. She is survived by her brother-in-law, Dallas Huffman.
Carol was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her children: Debra (Michael) Stacy, of Van Buren; Kathleen (Robert) Pritts, of Lakeside; Daniel (Kathy) Huffman, of Powell; and James (Maria) Huffman, of Sault Saint Marie.
She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren: Jessica (Tim) Gilmore; Jill (Dave) Caldwell; Neal (Jenn) Pritts; Matt (Lynae) Stacy; Anthony Huffman; Breanne Huffman; Lauren Huffman; Kyle Huffman; and Mara Monleon. Carol was blessed to have nine great-grandchildren: Victoria and Catherine Gilmore; Nolan and Colin Pritts; Evelyn, Archer, and David Caldwell; and Quinn and Emry Stacy.
Carol was beautiful both inside and out. To her children, she was the plucky heroine full of life. To her friends, she was fiercely loyal: "the girls" in her Van Buren Pinochle Club (playing cards for 70+ years); cousin, Myra Larrick; dear neighbor, Sandy Hock; her faith family at Van Buren United Methodist Church; her VB Class Breakfast Group; plus countless community friends. Carol's children are deeply grateful to Sam (Cornerstone Caregiving) for the loving-kindness extended to Mom during her final weeks. Although Carol will be deeply missed, all were blessed to watch her live life with an independent and joyful spirit.
While her passing is keenly felt, there is also joy in the knowledge of Carol's eternal home in heaven. On August 31, 2025, Carol reaffirmed her lifelong faith with baptism. She will always be remembered for her steadfast commitment to Jesus, her husband, her family, and her friends.
A graveside memorial will be held at the Bechtel Cemetery of Van Buren, on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 1:30pm.
During her lifetime Carol had a heart for those experiencing hunger, generously giving to food banks and pantries. To honor her, donations can be made to Chopin Hall, 1800 N. Blanchard Street, Findlay, Ohio, or to Findlay City Mission, 510 W. Main Cross, Findlay, Ohio.
The Coldren-Crates Funeral Home of Findlay will be assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.coldrencrates.com.