Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Carol Scharff Obituary
MESA, Ariz. - Carol Ann Scharff of Mesa, Ariz., passed away Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease.
She was born in Kankakee on April 11, 1940. She and her husband, Gunter Scharff, eventually settled near Bellflower, where they lived for 39 years and raised their four children.
Carol worked as a mother/baby nurse at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, and at the Champaign County Public Health Department, in addition to offering lactation consulting services to moms and babies in need.
Carol and Gunter were members of the United Methodist Church in Bellflower, where she served as choir director, pianist and organist for several years. She loved music, enjoyed sewing and scrapbooking, and was an avid reader. She will be remembered by her friends and family for her positive outlook, outgoing personality and her beautiful singing voice.
Carol was preceded in death by her husband; parents, Carl and Dorothy Wingfield; two daughters, Tracy and Carol; her sister, Judith; and brother, Willard "Bub."
She is survived by her brother, Dean Wingfield; children, Dr. Julie Schroeder, Laura (Larry) Davis, Dr. Diana Peterson and Erik (Tiffany) Scharff; 10 grandchildren; and four great-granchildren.
Funeral arrangements have been made through Red Mountain Funeral Home in Mesa. Memories can be shared on their website, redmountainfuneralhome.com.
A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Gilbert, 331 S. Cooper Road, Gilbert, Ariz., on Feb. 7. Interment will occur in National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Carol will be interred with her husband, Gunter, on what would have been their 66th wedding anniversary. May they both rest in peace together, forever.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Banner Alzheimer's Institute at bannerhealth.com/ways-to-give/foundations.
Memories and Condolences
for Carol Scharff
4 Entries
ferol Empen
July 11, 2025
Carol was a special Zeta Tau Alpha sonority sister and friend and reconnecting in our later years as she lived in Bellflower and was friends with my sister in Mansfield. I I was fortunate to be able visit her in her Arizona home and share many fun times with her and her sons family.
She was a loving, caring lady and so musically talented.
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. My deepest sympathy to all the family
Fero Parrett Empen
Doug Kammeyer
February 4, 2025
I Grew up three miles from Carol when she was in rural Bellflower. My Mother and Carol were very good friends and that friendship continued in Arizona where Mom wintered. I will always remember Carol playing piano and being my personal voice coach for a solo I sang for 8th grade music competition. She stayed with my Mom at the Hospital in Arizona after she suffered a Stroke until my sister and I could fly out to be with her. So many more memories I could share. Carol was a very caring person with lots of charm, and lots of class. Our family will miss her.
Karen McKinzie
February 3, 2025
I worked with Carol at both Carle(OB) and at public health. She stayed with us on a few of her trips back to Illinois and we stayed with her in Arizona once. We had good times together. I remember she took us to visit Laura and husband and had Ken play guitar with Larry. She was a special person and I will always have wonderful memories of her. Thoughts and prayers for her family.
Vicki Russell
February 3, 2025
I worked with Carol at Public Health in Champaign. She was a wonderful woman and a great co-worker. I am sending my deepest condolences to her family. Lifting prayers for all of you.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Carol Scharff's name
Memorial Events
for Carol Scharff
How to support Carol's loved ones
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
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
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 moreWays to honor Carol Scharff's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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
