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Carolyn Sue Wise, age 89, of Sturgis, formerly of Three Rivers and Elkhart, passed away on April 17, 2025 at NU Care Adult Foster Care in Sturgis after a courageous battle with Dementia. She lived a selfless life, always putting others before herself and inspiring those around her with her unwavering faith and kindness.
Carolyn was born April 18, 1935 in Three Rivers, a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and beloved friend to all that new her. She often spoke of her goal to reach 100 years, yet she was several hours short of her 90th birthday.
She worked for several years as an operator for GTE Telephone Company in Three Rivers. She was a true storyteller at heart and could drive you around for hours, pointing out places that held memories for her. She would also share stories of her past and all of the places that she called home.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard Boyer, and her second husband, Richard Wise, her brother, Jerry Wible, her parents, Lawrence and Juanita (Young) Wible, her dear son, Kenneth Boyer, and her pet “Molly”.
Her heart was devoted to her family and her joy overflowed when her only grandchild, Ashley (Boyer) Williams entered her life. Ashley was the girl she had always dreamed of and cherished every moment spent with her, passing on her love of Christ and the joy of family. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she took every opportunity to share her love of Jesus with those around her. Her granddaughter Ashley will tell you that she is the reason she knows and walks with Jesus to this day.
She was blessed with four sons: Michael, David, Stephen and Kenneth Boyer, who brought her endless joy and pride and later five great grandsons from Ashley and her husband, Steven Williams, Avery, Steven, Michael, Richard and Kye. Although she wished for a larger family, she poured all of her love into her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, creating memories and moments that will be cherished forever.
A woman of simple joys, she had a fondness for QVC shopping, word searches, and cooking, though her interest in cooking faded with age. Ever the character, she often wished for an invention that would brush her teeth for her, something that would make our lives a little easier. Her heart was always full of love for her family and her hands were constantly at work caring for others whether at home or as a volunteer in the baby ministry at Granger Community Church.
She found peace with nature, studying the birds. Bird watching became a simple joy that brought her peace and reflection reminder her of the harmony of creation and her love for life’s gentle moments. She also adored visiting her son Michael in Seattle, Washington, where his beautiful hillside home filled her with awe with its landscaping and views.
Her love and legacy live on with her surviving family; her brothers Larry (Sandy) Wible and Terry (Denise) Wible and their children. Also surviving are her sons, Michael, David, and Stephen Boyer, granddaughter, Ashley (Steven) Williams and her great grandchildren, Avery, Steven, Michael, Richard and Kye Williams.
She touched the lives of all she encountered, leaving an indelible impact that will never be forgotten. Her family will continue to carry her memory and the lessons of love and faith she so freely gave. Her warmth, laughter and dedication to her family will remain with us always, especially her contagious whistling.
Funeral services for Carolyn were held at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home on April 22, 2025. The Rev. Keith McFarren officiated. Carolyn was laid to rest at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart.
