ZANESVILLE- Carolyn Rose Chaney, 84, of Zanesville, OH, formerly of Coshocton, OH, died peacefully at the Genesis Hospice Morrison Hospice House in Zanesville on December 31, 2025.
Carolyn was born August 4, 1941 in Conesville, OH to the late Dewey Walter Norris and Mary (Walker) Courtright Norris. On February 29, 1976 she married James Leroy Chaney, who preceded her in death in 2020.
Carolyn retired from Coshocton County Memorial Hospital’s Housekeeping Department and was a member of Gospel Hill Ministry, a co-leader of their Light Keepers Group, and participated in Relay for Life for many years. She enjoyed bowling in the leagues at Coshocton Lanes, painting pottery and entering art projects in the county fair, listening to gospel and country music, and doing jigsaw puzzles.
While she had no children of her own, she spent her life caring for and spoiling others’ children as a foster parent, at Gospel Hill Ministry in the nursery every Sunday- until she was not physically able to attend church any longer, and watching children in her home daycare. She served the Lord through her ministry to young people by ensuring they had rides to church services and youth group events.
She loved all animals, owning and nurturing several dogs, cats, and birds throughout her life.
Carolyn was loved by all who knew her ornery personality and quick wit. She was a favorite resident of the staff at The Oaks at Northpointe where she spent the last years of her life playing Bingo, making new friends, and planning pranks on the staff whenever she could.
She was the last surviving sibling in a blended family of 10 children. In addition to being preceded in death by her husband and sister, Mary Ann Norris Mardis, she was preceded in death by her half-brothers, Robert, Arthur, and Billy Courtright, Leo and Paul Norris; and half-sisters, Charline Stubbs, Leora Arbaugh, and Eva Donley. A very special niece, Sandy Courtright, and nephew, SSG Paul C. Mardis, Jr. will undoubtedly be the first to greet her at the gates of heaven.
She is survived by her devoted nieces, Cindy Mardis (Gregorio) Biolcati Rinaldi, and Sherri Mardis (Tolly) Lawrence, who she loved, spoiled and helped raise into successful adults. Their children, her great nieces and nephews, Olivia Corder, Abby Nethers, Michael Lawrence, Alex (Kelly) Lawrence, Morgan Lawrence and Morgan’s husband, Shawn Warren were devoted to visiting with her and keeping in touch with her, even into their busy adult lives. Additionally, Carolyn had many friends she called family who will miss her very much.
A Celebration of Life will take place 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Gospel Hill Ministry, 27610 TR 45 Warsaw, OH 43844, with Jerry Sexton officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to service time. Fischer Funeral Home in Warsaw is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Coshocton County Animal Shelter, 21755 TR 164 Coshocton, OH 43812; or Gospel Hill Ministry, 27610 TR 45 Warsaw, OH, 43844.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
412 E. Main St., Warsaw, OH 43844

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more