Carolyn Kent Winterroth

Carolyn Kent Winterroth

June 27, 1928 - March 3, 2024

NORMAL - Born June 27, 1928, in Normal, IL, to Everett F. and Nellie Neher Kent, Carolyn died peacefully at Martin Health Center on March 3, 2024.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Winterroth in December, 2014; and two sisters: Patsy Gilmore and Connie Doud. She is survived by two daughters: Kristin (John) Gable of Indianapolis, and Kathryn Grey of Bloomington; three grandchildren: Timm (Jane) Gable, Jennifer (Aaron) Garoutte, and Carson Grey; and three great-grandchildren: Charles, Claire Carolyn, and Beau.

Carolyn graduated from Bloomington High School, attended Illinois Wesleyan University and graduated from the University of Colorado where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority and Phi Beta Kappa scholastic honorary. She also did post graduate work at Illinois State University.

For many years she served on the board of West Side Lumber and the Kent Lumber companies, and was involved in establishing Kent's in Normal in 1974 and Kent's Crossing complex. She was president and manager of Kent's until 1994.

Carolyn was active in the community including serving on the board of the Booker T. Washington (children's) Home, Downtown Normal Business Association and S.C.O.R.E. She was a founding member of the Bloomington Beautification Committee, and Study Club, and enjoyed her involvement in the Longfellow Club, Chapter AW of PEO, Phi Beta Kappa Association of E. Central Illinois, Illinois State University Senior Professionals and Illinois Wesleyan Associates.

She was a member of Second Presbyterian Church where she was active in the Women's Association and served as a Trustee and a Deacon.

Carolyn was an avid reader, and a collector of folk art, nativities and Mexican arts and crafts. McLean County Arts Center and Lakeview Museum (Peoria) exhibited her collections in years past. She had a lifelong interest in Native American history and art.

Memorial contributions may be made to Second Presbyterian Church or to Little Children of the World, Inc., P.O. Box 37, Barnesville, GA, 30204. Carolyn and John sponsored a child, Fermel, for many years into adulthood. "His remarkable development has been a great joy to our family."

Services will be held at Second Presbyterian Church on Monday, March 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. John Gable and Rev. Trey Haddon officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the church.

Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made to www.calvertmemorial.com.