Carol Sue Calloway

Carol Sue Calloway, 80, Rochester, passed away at 8:50 a.m. on Monday, April 15, 2024, at Woodlawn Hospital, Rochester, Indiana, where she succumbed to a very brief illness.  

Born September 16, 1943, in Macy, Indiana, she was the daughter of Glen and Namona (Burns) Calloway.  

She was a proud Deedsville High School Trojan, graduating in 1961.  She continued to coordinate and hold the annual Deedsville Alumni Banquet each year, joyfully recalling the stories of her high school years with her friends and all of their families.  After graduation, she headed to Ball State University earning her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in English Education. 

Carol taught English for thirty-eight years at Rochester High School, teaching mostly seniors and those enrolled in Summer Speech, making sure each student was prepared for college or whatever career in which they were headed.  Carol was known for her education skills, always being ahead of the game and teaching project-based learning before it was popular.  She loved being creative in the classroom and helping students develop their writing skills and developing a love for all different types of literature.  Keeping active with her own education and passion for teaching, she served on the North Central Evaluation Committee for many years, traveling all over the state observing others and gathering new skills for herself.  In retirement, she loved being part of the Fulton County Retired Teacher’s Association. 

Carol was a longtime member of the Perrysburg Baptist Church until its closing, contributing to their services with her piano and organ skills. She attended First Baptist Church in Rochester until moving to Wynnfield Crossing, where she lived for three years. 

Carol was a proud supporter of athletics, both high school and college.  She was the Cheer Coach at RHS for many years and loved cheering on the Zebras!  She LOVED Notre Dame Women’s Basketball and became season ticket holder when Shelia McMillen played, keeping her tickets to this day!  The games were a big highlight and the tournament was always something she looked forward to! 

Carol loved to travel and had been to Greece.  For many years, she would take students to Stratford, Ontario, Canada, to see plays at the Globe Theatre and honor Shakespeare.  She enjoyed planning spring break trips and wintering at Sarasota Sands, Sarasota Florida.  She took many trips to visit family out west in Colorado, with stops in Wyoming, and through the Canadian Rockies.  Carol and her parents never hesitated to be the “ticket off of the farm” to explore the USA and Canada, making sure that the kids developed a passion for exploration and an appreciation for other places. 

With her equal love for travel and ND women’s basketball, the debate will continue for many as to whether the right shirt was picked for her final outfit, Sarasota or ND?!?!

She was a member of Tri Kappa, serving as chapter officer many times, and also a state committee member for Philanthropy.  She was a founding member of the Women’s Giving Circle, and loved finding ways to help others.  

She was the best Aunt Carol ever! From the annual Christmas slumber parties and to the shoe-fairy visits and Thanksgiving Feasts, she entertained and loved her family. She was always game for road trips, shopping trips, exploration to try new foods-and then figuring out how to recreate the recipe from the restaurant.  Food was her love language!  Her annual contribution to the family farming was by bringing meals when we were in the fields or working.  

Survivors include her siblings, Jerry (Phyllis) Calloway, Macy; and Lela (Richard) Barnhisel, Lexington, Kentucky; nieces and nephews, Ed Fincher, Paul Fincher, Shelli Fincher, Jerry Cannon, John Cannon, Karen Johnson, Cathy Barnhisel, Michael Barnhisel, Barbara Barnhisel, Jen Cook, Tim Calloway, Elaine Dragstrem, Amy Eckrote, Rachel Burns, and Renell Finke; and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two siblings, Patsy (Joe) Fincher; Joyce (Charles) Cannon; and a nephew, David Fincher.

The family wishes to thank her amazing caregivers in her final days who helped her moving back home: Cassandra, Laura, Abi, Mikki, and the unbelievable staff at Woodlawn Hospital, everyone loving her like family.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, with her nephew, Pastor Michael Barnhisel officiating.  Burial will follow in Plainview Cemetery, Macy, Indiana. 

Visitation will be from 4-7:00 p.m. on Friday, at the funeral home. 

Memorial contributions can be made to Macy Food Pantry or Plainview Cemetery.

McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements.  Condolences may be left online at www.mcclainfh.com.

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