Carolyn J. Mountcastle , age 74 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 11, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family after an extended illness.  She was born January 15, 1947 in Elwood, the daughter of George C. McPhearson and Margaret (Nance) McPhearson-Collins.  Carolyn was a member of the class of 1964 at Wendell L. Willkie High School.  She married Thomas J. Mountcastle on November 9, 1963, and they shared over 57 years of marriage together.  Carolyn worked as a secretary for the Mayor of the City of Elwood for 20 years until she retired in 2011.  Her years of service in the Mayor's office included working for four different mayors in both the Republican and Democrat parties.  For many years she helped do people's taxes out of her home.  Carolyn also worked for a short time welding.  In high school, Carolyn was proudly crowned the Elwood City Queen, and she was also one of Indiana's top baton twirlers in her day.  Carolyn enjoyed fishing and watching the Indianapolis Colts and Pacers.  She was an excellent "Markswoman" and could shoot anything with incredible accuracy.  Carolyn was known for her ability as a good driver who could drive nearly any type of vehicle.  For many years, she enjoyed bowling on leagues at Lucky Strike Lanes in Elwood.  More than anything, Carolyn will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.  She will be greatly missed.

Carolyn's family includes her husband, Tom Mountcastle of Elwood; 2 children, Lori (husband David) Nutt of Elwood and Robert G. Mountcastle (partner Bruce Richardson) of Elwood; 2 grandsons, Larry Nutt (fiance Gretchen Syverud) of Indianapolis and Jacob Nutt (girlfriend Halie Jackson) of Indianapolis; special niece, Tonia Knapp of Pierceton, IN; special great-nephew, Joe Knapp of Pierceton, IN; special friend, Christy Clark of Elwood; and several nieces and nephews.

Carolyn was preceded in death by both her parents; 3 brothers, William Claude McPhearson, Eugene McPhearson, and Don McPhearson; sister, Patricia Ann McPhearson; and a nephew, Terry McPhearson.

A funeral service celebrating Carolyn's life will be conducted at 6:00 pm on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with family friends, Marcy Fry and Christy Clark co-officiating the service.  Cremation will follow the service.  Burial will take place at a later date in the Elwood City Cemetery following a procession with her remains passing the Elwood Municipal Building.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 pm on Thursday prior to the service at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.   Health precautions remain encouraged for all visitors, and face coverings are optional.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.