Published on August 21, 2025 4:37 pm
Last Updated on August 21, 2025 4:37 pm
Carolyn Sue Engel age 89, of Kinmundy, Illinois, passed away at 4:00 pm Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at the High Point Memory Care in Centralia with her loving family by her side.
She was born on January 3, 1936, in Brownstown, Illinois, the daughter of Harry and Fern Elsie (Kingery) Washburn. Carolyn was united in marriage to Charles E. Engel on March 21, 1954, in Brownstown, Illinois, and they shared 53 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on September 27, 2007.
For many years, Carolyn worked as a school cook at the Farina LaGrove School, where she brought warmth and nourishment to countless children. Her professional life harmonized with her role as a farmer’s wife, supporting her husband, Charles, on the farm and contributing to the livelihood they built together. Together, they raised a family in a home filled with love and shared values, fostering a nurturing environment that epitomized the essence of family.
Carolyn was a lifelong member of the Kinmundy Christian Church, actively engaging in the needs of her church community whenever she was able. Her unwavering commitment to her faith and her willingness to lend a helping hand left a lasting impact on those around her.
An avid gardener, Carolyn poured her heart into cultivating a variety of flowers and maintaining a substantial garden each year. Her green thumb allowed her to can the fruits of her labor, providing her family with bountiful supplies of vegetables during the winter months. Gardening was not just a hobby for Carolyn; it was a source of joy and pride that she cherished deeply.
In her later years, she discovered a passion for baseball, becoming a dedicated fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, as well as an enthusiast for Illinois basketball. These sports brought her happiness and provided a wonderful outlet for her spirit. Carolyn also treasured the time spent with her daughters, particularly enjoying shopping trips together. Even as her physical abilities waned, her vibrant spirit and desire for adventure remained undiminished, and she would often express her longing to join them on their outings.
Carolyn is survived by her children: Charles Randall (Patty) Engel of Farina, Susan (Arthur) Hoehne of McAlestar, Oklahoma, Stanley (Jody) Engel of Lafayette, Louisiana, Jane (Gary) Payne of Kinmundy, Twila (Kelly) Stanford of Lafayette, Louisiana, Gale Engel of Kinmundy, Jennifer (John) Michel of St. Peter, Chris (Tami) Engel of Olney, Kara (Kevin) Bonfield of Downers Grove, Illinois; 28 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; 2 brothers: Bill (Barb) Washburn of Olney, Keith (Marie) Washburn of Springfield, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother: Harry Washburn.
Graveside services to celebrate Carolyn’s life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Griffith Cemetery, Brownstown, Illinois with Josh Conley officiating. A visitation will be held on Saturday at the cemetery from 10:00 to 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Carolyn’s memory to the Kinmundy Christian Church – Loaves and Fish Program.
The McGriff Funeral Home in Kinmundy is honored to be entrusted with the family’s care and the arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or to share a memory or story of Carolyn, please visit www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com.