Carolyn Marie Ahrens

Carolyn Marie Ahrens, born June 2, 1938, at 2:30am to George and Theda Conner in Saline, Michigan. Carolyn went home to her lord on Wednesday July 23, 2025, in Whitehall, Michigan at the age of 87. Carolyn was preceded in death by both of her parents, sisters Arlene and Joyce and is survived by her husband Leonard as well as her three sons: Bradley of Whitehall, MI, Brian (Cherie) of Cadillac, MI, and Brent (Cindy) of Warrior, AL. Carolyn was also a proud grandmother to grandchildren Brittney (Joe), Zachary, Malia (Blake), Jayda and Alayna and great grandchildren Jack, Henry, George, Eliza and Reagan. Carolyn lived an active and involved life carrying her love for family and community with her throughout her 87 years. She enjoyed homemaking, researching family history, crafting, writing, and even painting in her early years and was involved in countless community and church groups. She graduated from Saline High School in 1956 and attended Albion College for one year until she moved to Seattle, WA for a year and half to enjoy her cousin’s family and experience the great northwest. Upon returning to Michigan, she went to work as an administrative assistant at the University of Michigan where she met her future husband Leonard (of Manchester, MI). Carolyn and Leonard were married on April 20, 1963, at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Saline, MI. Over the next 62 years, Carolyn and Leonard embarked on a wonderful journey that started by settling in Manchester, MI. Carolyn was active in St. Mary’s Catholic Church; she wrote for the Manchester Enterprise newspaper and served as co-Chair of the Manchester Bi-Centennial in 1976 all while growing her family with the addition of her three boys. Not to let any need go unattended, Carolyn even served as a Cub Scout den leader, climbed trees to retrieve lost arrows for her boys, and was always “at the ready” to volunteer in support of a long list of little league teams. In 1977 they wrote a new chapter in their life story by moving north to Marion, MI to become the owners of the Gambles Hardware Store. Carolyn shared her energy and passion for community involvement in Marion as she remained active in the Catholic Church (St. Agnus) serving on the Family Circle, teaching youth CCD, serving as a lay minister and participating in the church prayer network. And of course, she was one of those wonderful unnamed ladies that were always present with food and drink to support their church community during times of need. In addition to her involvement at St. Agnus, Carolyn was a member of the Marion Chamber of Commerce, the DDA, the 20th Century club and supported the Marion Historical Society and Marion library. In her free time, she honed her skills in crafting by knitting, embroidering, Swedish weaving, sewing and every other technique that caught her creative attention. Carolyn served as the assistant activity director at Autumnwood nursing home and played music on her electronic zither, joining her friends to perform and sing at several area nursing homes and care facilities. One of Carolyn’s greatest enjoyments was spending time in Arizona. Starting in 1995, Carolyn and Leonard began wintering in the greater Phoenix area and for 26 years they explored every corner of the state and beyond. She cherished her many friendships with other “snowbirds” who came from all corners of the U.S. to enjoy their winters in Arizona as well as her time with family who lived in the state. In 2015 they moved to Whitehall, MI where Carolyn practiced her faith at St. James Catholic Church. For the next ten years she enjoyed the community and friendship of new neighbors and acquaintances, always bringing her energy, smile, and natural curiosity to every aspect of her life. Carolyn’s faith carried her as the underlying fabric of her wonderful 87 years, and we know she is now comforted in the hands of our lord. Funeral services will be held at St. James Catholic Church in Montague, MI on Saturday August 16, 2025, at 11a.m. with luncheon to follow. Memorials can be made in Carolyn’s name to St. James Catholic Church in Montague, MI. Carolyn will be laid to rest at Oak Grove Cemetery in Manchester, MI following a visitation at Eineder Funeral Home in Manchester from Noon-2:00pm on Monday August 18th.

Carolyn Marie Ahrens

June 2, 1938 - July 23, 2025