Carol J. Kleyla , age 89 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2022 at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood after a long, blessed life.  She was born January 31, 1933 in Elwood, the daughter of Rush R. and Lessie (Alexander) Carpenter.  Carol was a 1951 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School.  She married her soulmate, "Monty" Kleyla on February 6, 1953.  Carol was a devoted, 75-year member of the First Baptist Church in Elwood where she served in various positions through the years, including church clerk and assistant treasurer.  Carol was a franchise owner of H&R Block Tax Service in Elwood for 30 years.  She was proud to be one of the first female franchise owners with the company in a time when this was a rare occurrence.  After selling her franchise, she remained working another 12 years with the new owners for a total of 42 years of service in the business before retirement in 2016.  She truly enjoyed helping people and interacting with her many loyal customers.

Carol was formerly active in real estate as a rental property investor and manager for many years with her husband.  Carol was a member of Tri-Kappa Sorority in Elwood as well as a 10-year member of the governing board of St. Vincent Mercy Hospital.  She and Monty enjoyed camping for many years; playing cards with their good friends; and supporting all the activities at the First Baptist Church.  She especially enjoyed sewing, gardening and caring for her property, and going to auctions in search of antiques.  More than anything, Carol's family was the greatest aspect of her life, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Carol's family legacy includes her husband of 69 years, Monty Kleyla of Elwood; 3 daughters, Joan M. Songco of Roanoke, Judith A. Johnson of Huntington, and Sara Jane (husband Dan) Christman of Hartford City; 5 grandchildren, Alexander (Mindy) Christman, Casey Johnson, Emily (Jake) Buckles, Ben Johnson, and Chris (Grace) Christman; and 2 great-granddaughters, Cora Buckles and Louanna Buckles.  Carol was preceded in death by her parents and 3 brothers, Harold (Virginia) Carpenter, Ralph Carpenter, and Horace (Mary) Carpenter.

A funeral service celebrating Carol's life and faith will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, August 5, 2022 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with their former pastor, Rev. Josh Carney officiating.  Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am to 1 pm on Friday prior to the funeral at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.