Carolyn Jean (Gienger) Getts, age 90, of Kendallville and Avilla, passed away Monday, September 1, 2025, at her daughter's home in Avilla. Carolyn was born in Kendallville, Indiana, on December 4, 1934, to the late John Frederick Gienger and Bernice (Keck) Gienger. She married Wilbur Emory Getts on September 11, 1955, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Avilla. Wilbur preceded her in death in November of 2017.
Many years ago, Carolyn was employed by Sellick's Department Store and G.C. Murphy Variety Store on Main Street in Kendallville. Also in the early days, she helped Wilbur on the dairy farm. Later in life, she was employed for many years by the East Noble School Corporation first as a teacher's aide and later as a custodian along with her husband. Together, she and Wilbur worked side by side once again cleaning the hallways and classrooms at the high school. For the last ten years of her working career, Carolyn was employed by Snyder Food Services in Kendallville.
Growing up and living and working her entire life in Kendallville made her very well known in town where she knew just about everyone or who they related to! Carolyn was a member of the Homemaker's Club and St. John Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday school and directed the children's Christmas program. She was a loyal Purdue University sports fan and attended many tailgate parties before the games. Her delicious potato salad and apple pie were very special and unmatched by anyone. Faith and family were cornerstone to Carolyn and her family. They will miss her deeply.
Survivors include:
Son, Tom and Mary Getts of Ocala, Florida.
Daughter, Cheryl Getts of Avilla.
Son, Matt Getts of Marion.
Six grandchildren: Misty (Matt) Gordon of Avilla; Susan (Brad) Goodman of Avilla; Jeff (Val) Getts of Huntington; Patrick (Romona) Getts of Auburn; Michelle (Max) Kramer of LaOtto; Rebecca (Brandon) Culver of Churubusco. 11 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Carolyn and Wilbur also raised a niece, Dorothy Sue Thomas of Avilla and a nephew, Gaylon McCann who is deceased.
Sister, Joan and Frank Young of Churubusco.
Sister-in-law, Patty Gienger of Kendallville.
Sister-in-law, Billie Gienger of Avilla.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, John and Bernice Gienger; her infant children, Karen Sue Getts (1957) and David John Getts (1961); sister, Dorothy Edsall; and brothers, Mert Gienger and Richard Gienger.
Visitation and funeral services will take place Saturday, September 6, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church in Kendallville. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 12:00 noon. Pastor Phillip Rigdon will officiate the funeral service.
Burial will follow at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery near Avilla.
Memorial donations may be made to the
Alzheimer's Association or St. John Lutheran Church.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carolyn Getts, please visit our floral store.
Published by WFFT-TV 55 News on Sep. 3, 2025.