Carol E. Reagan

Carol E. Reagan, 88, of Marysville, formally of Byron, IL, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, August 9, 2026, at Walnut Crossing Assisted Living. Carol was born December 26, 1937, in Cedar Rapids, IA. Carol was one of three daughters born to Franklin and Josephine (Andrews) Goodrow. Her sisters, Virgina Ruelbach and Betty Sedlacek predeceased her. Carol married Franklin Reagan, Sr., in 1958. Carol and Frank had four children. Julie, Franklin (Jodi), Kelly (Rebecca), and Bruce (Tammy). Grandchildren are Nischelle, Nicole, Natalie, Elizabeth (Zach) Kelland (Marisa), Alyssa, Anna Joy, Adam (Courtney). Grandson Nathanael predeceased Carol. Great grandchildren include: Payton, Paris, Xavier, Grant and Drew. If you were fortunate to be a neighbor of Carols, every December you could count on receiving her famous banana loaf wrapped in Christmas ribbon and delivered hot from the oven. Carol was known amongst her grandchildren for her fruit cobbler and baking an endless array of pies; pecan being her personal favorite. Nothing hit the spot after a day of fishing with Grandpa than Grandmas’ desserts. Carol was also known for her truly awesome holiday dessert specials; like her fudge and her pecan cheese ball as well as a layered Jell-O whipped cream and cranberry walnut salad combination that only worked when she made it. No one could peel and slice potatoes for scalloped potatoes thinner than Carol. Carol excelled at crafts like ceramics and needlepoint pillows. Carol and her daughter Julie spoke daily in Carol’s final years. Carol loved music and always had her radio, then cassette tapes, and then CD’s playing in her kitchen while she worked. Carol loved to sing gospel songs with her husband Frank while he played guitar, harmonica and dubro. Carol played double French horn in the Rockford Community Band and Frank faithfully drove her to every practice. Carol was a fearless bible study leader. Carol could be counted on to pray for your needs big or small. No trip was complete to Grandma’s house without a prayer for safe travel home by Grandma. She gathered her family in a circle and all held hands as Grandma prayed for her loved ones’ safe travel. In this season of your life, your family all prayed for your safe travel home to heaven and Grandpa, Grandma. Carol gamely made friends as she moved away from her longtime home of Byron, IL. Many thanks to: Dr Kaleb Deam and his team who cheered her greatly when she saw them, her phlebotomist Alysa who could always find a vein, her roommate Donna Kees for her friendship, Sharon, Charlotte and her lunch mates, Ainsley, her favorite nurse at memory care and her many friends at St Matthew Lutheran church who kept sending the cards that cheered her and prayed the prayers that strengthened her during her last days. Carol was a force of nature who will be missed by her entire family, but especially by her grandchildren, with whom she had a strong bond. The night before she died Carol was reminded that her entire family loved her and was with her. Carol could no longer speak, but nodded her yes. Friends may call Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at St Matthew Lutheran Church, 5566 Chambersburg Pike, Huber Heights, where Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 AM, with Rev. Mel Younger officiating. Private Family Burial will follow at a later date in Byron Township Cemetery, Byron, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ladies Guild of St. Matthew Lutheran Church or the St. Matthew Choir in Carol’s memory. To sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note of condolence please visit www.hilliscombsfh.com

Carol E. Reagan

December 26, 1937 - August 9, 2026