Carole P. Jess, age 82, of Shelby, passed peacefully at her home surrounded by family on Wednesday morning, November 27, 2024. Her death follows an extended illness.
Carole was born September 14, 1942 in Oak Harbor, OH to the late Edwin Charles and Alma Catherine (Burmeister) Puestow. A 1960 graduate of Oak Harbor High School, she then attended The Ohio State University graduating in just three and a half years (December of 1963) with a degree in education, focusing on home economics. Her early graduation came from hard work and perseverance due to a strict rule from her father that she could not marry until she graduated college. Her love for her then fiancé, Robert Roy Jess, could not wait. She and Bob married on December 28 of that same year, just 8 days after graduation, and created a life of happiness and love for the next 61 years.
Putting her degree to work, Carole started her career just following their marriage at Ontario High School prior to a life of raising her family. A terrific homemaker, wife, and mother, Carole’s talent rested heavily in her seamstress ability. For 25 years she owned and operated her own business out of her home- Carole’s Fit & Fashion. She beautifully crafted thousands of items over the years from prom dresses, wedding dresses, and dance costumes to suits, tuxedos, and clothes for all occasions. She brought beauty to so many special occasions over the years.
A longtime member of the First Lutheran Church in Shelby, Carole had served on church council, had been active in leading the youth program, and was an adult bible study leader for many years. In addition to her life of sewing, Carole loved knitting as a hobby and had been active in Most Pure Heart of Mary’s prayer shawl group, making shawls as gifts for newly married couples. She also was an avid quilter, making quilts for family and friends, the Lutheran World Relief, and for numerous fundraising events.
Simply put, to Carole, family was everything. Certainly, her husband, daughters, and grandchildren were first and foremost, but her love for learning of family history made her extensive genealogy research an entertaining connection to generations past. In addition to her husband, Bob, Carole is survived by daughters: Elizabeth “Libby” (Curtis “Curt”) Clough of New Mexico and Joy (Daniel “Dan”) Wagner of Shelby; son-in-law: Troy (Melanie) Timmerman; grandchildren: Zachary (Marika) Clough, Andrew Clough, Jacquelynn Timmerman, Sydney Timmerman, Oliver Wagner, Guinevere Wagner, and Sophia Wagner; great grandchildren: JohnRobert and Derrick Clough; siblings: Ronald (Doris) Puestow and Linda (Kenneth) Bolay; and nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents, Carole was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Kristina “Kris” Timmerman.
Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 6-8 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 11 am. Guests are also welcome to visit one hour prior to the funeral services on Thursday from 10-11 am. Rev. Dr. Russel Yoak will officiate the services with Visitation Pastor Gaye Shira assisting. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/give) or The Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research (giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/646870).
Condolences may be made on Carole’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
To view Carole’s tribute video, click here Carole’s tribute video.
I am so sorry for this loss of a long-time wonderful friend. We had many good times and will have so many memories.
Sending sincere sympathy to Carole’s family from the Salem-Oak Harbor High School Class of 1960, of which Carole was a member. Carole was also one of three of our class valedictorians.
I am so sorry to hear this. She was a very sweet lady and I will remember her fondly from my 4-h days. Your family has my deepest sympathy and prayers.
Carole’s family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, William J. Risch, William L. and Mary G. Risch, and Family.
Our deepest condolence to Bob and family. I know how much you loved this special lady who was beautiful, both inside and out. She was always so friendly and kind to us all and was a very generous /giving person, not only with her possessions, but with her time and compassion. We certainly appreciated all of her volunteer time and donations of her handiwork at the library. She will be missed. Love and prayers for Comfort and Peace. David and Sheila Tackett & family
My deepest condolences.
MY dearest sympathy to Carole’s family. RIP Carole!!!
So very sorry Libby. Sending prayers up and hugs your way.
I have been slow at responding to Carole passing because I have been overwhelmed with thoughts as to what to share. I am especially grateful for all the times that our families spent together when we were growing up, even though I took so much of it for granted at the time. Our prayer is that all of you will find comfort because of your memories of her and that the Holy Spirit give you peace beyond your own understanding. Lamar and Sue Burmeister
To Bob and family, Anne and I send our deepest and heartfelt condolences. Carole was a beautiful and wonderful lady. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Bob and Family. Mike and I send deepest sympathies and praying that all the beautiful memories help you through this difficult time.
To Dan Joy and family, Sorry to hear about your mother passing away. You all have my sympathy. I know you will miss her forever as she was a very loving person to be around.
Sending Thoughts and Prayers to Bob and family. God Bless
Joy Don and family, You have my sympathy and prayers on the passing of Carol. May she RIP.
Deepest sympathies to your family. Hold fast to your faith and each other in this difficult time.