Carol A. Below

Carol Ann (Chapman) Below, age 79, passed away peacefully, Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the home of her daughter, on the street of her beloved home of 47 years. She was born January 12, 1945 in Port Clinton to Dr. Glenn and Pauline (Smith) Chapman. A lifelong resident, she was a 1963 graduate of Port Clinton High School, where she met the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Below, class of 1961. On March 15, 1963, Carol’s senior year, they eloped to Monroe, Michigan but had to keep their marriage a secret until after Carol graduated.

At home, growing up with seven kids in the house, the Chapman house on Fourth Street was always buzzing with activity. As the oldest daughter of seven kids, she was a huge help to her mom when it came to housework and helping with her younger siblings Jim, Mary, Gordon and Bill. She was like a second mom to little Gordie and Bill. As kids, she and her older brother Richard were always close and spent much time together. Always the businessman, Richard won a train trip to Washington D.C. for selling the most newspaper subscriptions and he took his little sister, Carol with him on that trip. She was even welcomed to tag along on some of his dates with Priscilla!

As a little girl, Carol absolutely loved summers spent visiting her grandparents on their farm in Essex. She would often speak longingly of those days as some of the best in her life. A few road trips were even taken in later years just to gaze at the farm from the road. She loved her parents with all of her heart. Watching her mom get ready to go out dancing with her dad, she recalled how she thought that together they looked like movie stars,dressed to the nines. A photo of them dancing in the Cedar Point Grand Ballroom hung in the museum in Frontier Town for decades. She always made it a point to stop and visit that picture on her many trips to Cedar Point.

She was a Daddy’s girl growing up. She would even kiss her dad to get a little taste of the coffee on his lips - hence her love of coffee! As an adult, she cherished time spent shopping and going out to eat with her dear mom, Pauline (or Pat), her sweet sister and best friend, Mary, sister-in-laws and nieces. They were THE original Black Friday shoppers, setting out early, often stopping for breakfast before an entire day and night spent at the malls. Many, many trips to Amish Country with “the crew” were made. Some day trips lasting well over 12 hours, others overnight stays at her favorite, The Carlisle House in Walnut Creek. She and Dick also enjoyed weekends at their favorite Bed and Breakfast, The Charm Countryview Inn, with her big brother Ro and her sister-in-law Jacque, both of whom she loved so much.

Together, the high school sweethearts, who married when she was 18 and he was 19, built a wonderful life together raising their four children in the most loving, supportive home. She used to say that she was a little embarrassed that she had four kids so quickly. It seemed like she was always pregnant, having kids every two years! But all she ever wanted was to be a Wife and a Mother, and then of course a Gramma! And she not only excelled at those roles, she was the kind of Wife, Mother and Grandma that many wished they could have.

Always putting the needs or wants of others before herself, she was the most selfless, and generous soul. As kids, we knew that our Mom would do anything for us and always be there for whatever we needed. She was at every ball game, track meet, music program. A chauffeur to sports practices, summer jobs, Cedar Point, Gem Beach roller rink - she would always get her kids to wherever they needed or wanted to go. She was the “Kool-Aid” mom - making sure that there was plenty of it in the fridge for all of the kids and their friends. She would iron Dicks’s clothes every morning for work.

Homemade meals were a staple at home. Dinner was on the kitchen table around 5:30 and it was always homemade with love! Real mashed potatoes, lasagna, meatloaf, swiss steak, fried chicken, french toast, you name it - she made it for her family and it was all absolutely delicious. Homemade birthday cakes (or pies) to order for everyone’s birthdays. She made popcorn on the stove, in a heavy pan. She made sun tea in the summer.Her oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and Christmas cutouts were favorites of everyone.

She was the sweetest neighborhood Mom, the “Kool-Aid” mom - always making sure that there was plenty of it in the fridge for all of the kids and their friends. Neighbor kids knew her and loved her because she was so welcoming and kind to everyone who walked through her door. Often, still dressed in a robe and slippers, she would give anyone a ride to and from school. On cold days she would pile in the kids after school, never leaving anyone behind to walk all of two blocks home in the cold!

Many remember Carol from Cindy’s clothing store, corner of Madison and Second. She absolutely loved working there alongside her mom, Pauline. When they weren't busy helping women shop for clothing and accessories, they had the best time-sipping coffee with sweet rolls from City Bakery. She enjoyed many laughs and good times during her “Cindy’s” years. Later, she went to work at Tadsen Insurance Agency, co-owned by her oldest brother, Ro. She loved working for Ro, with his kind, calm demeanor. Helping local customers with their insurance, she always did so with a bright smile and kind words for all.

With four kids, vacations were camping trips in the summer. Pleasant Hill, Mohican, Hocking Hills. She enjoyed the simple times with her family. Going swimming at Crane Creek beach. Annual trips to Cedar Point. She did activities that were not really her thing - but she did them because she knew her kids would enjoy them, like canoeing and horseback riding and roller coasters.

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Carol had many loves in life, including dogs. Most recently, she lost her beloved German Shepherd Willow, her loving companion and guardian for over 12 years. Over the years she also loved Noah, Baby, Sammy, Heidi, Beau, and Jenny. She was also a surrogate mother to many granddogs over the years.

She also loved flowers. For many years, Carols flowerbeds on Grant St were absolutely beautiful. Dick kept the yard manicured to perfection and she kept the flowers blooming. Hanging baskets overflowing with verbena and petunias, pots of geraniums, sweet potato vine, - she had beautiful flowers everywhere. She always looked forward to her spring trip with Jojo to Shiloh to pick up flowers each year!

Shopping was one of Carol’s fun activities. You could see her at TJ MAXX at noon. You might see her again there at 3. She could spend hours wandering the store, looking at literally, everything! Kohls was also her spot. Mary would often have to find a massage chair to sit down after waiting so long for Carol to do her browsing! And if you wonder where she may be eating dinner or lunch? Well it was more than likely Berardi’s in Sandusky. For over 45 years she has been enjoying regular meals there. It was her place.

Following her kids and grandkids events was another favorite of Carol. She would not miss anything if she could help it.. She loved watching Dick play basketball during the “Red Hot Skins” years! And see Jojo pulling her at her shirt on the basketball court. She probably attended almost every game that her kids and grandkids ever played from T-Ball, Pee Wee football, junior high to now. She sat in the rain and cold at many of Rachel’s track meets. Bundled up for football games for Stone and Beau and to watch Beau and now Eva and Maya in the marching band. Made the dreaded trek across the court in front of everyone at PCHS basketball games to watch Stone play.

Going to the River downtown was probably Carol’s most favorite spot. She and Dick enjoyed going there for many years until his passing. She also enjoyed it with her mom and sister Mary. Traveling on bikes for many years, then more recently, as time took its toll, they visited by car. They would sit there for hours, enjoying the peacefulness watching the boats go by. Sometimes eating Wendys or sipping a coffee from McDonalds. It was her special place to feel peace.

Some of her favorite places to vacation with Dick after the kids were grown were Mackinac Island, Cooperstown, Gettysburg, Williamsburg and the Smoky Mountains. She also enjoyed many family trips to Hilton Head, the Florida Gulf Coast, Gatlinburg, San Diego and Mackinac Trips with “the Crew”.

Family was the most important thing to Carol. She always said that all that she ever wanted was to be a wife and a mother. Anyone who knew her knows that she not only excelled at those roles, she was the epitome of a loving, devoted wife and mother. Her kindness was absolutely pure and unwavering. Whether it was a helping hand, a monetary gesture, a ride, you name it - she would be there. She absolutely loved to be needed and to help others.

Though she was not particularly religious, she most certainly lived a life of service. Jesus taught that people can know Christians by their love, and that serving others is a way to show love. He said, “Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Heavenly Father.” Carol was most definitely a Christian in her kind actions and words. She often bit her tongue rather than cause any animosity. One would be hard pressed to find anyone who thought Carol was anything but sweet, kind, thoughtful and gracious. She was truly an angel on earth.

In addition to her own children, Carol was like a second mother to nieces, nephews, neighbor kids, and her children’s friends. She was loved by all who were fortunate enough to be touched by her. She did not have to know you well either, as she extended her kindness to all she met or encountered, friend or stranger.

Having lived a life full of love, kindness and devotion to others, her passing is a tremendous loss to all. The beautiful light that was Carol no longer shines on for the family that loved and cherished her. Left to mourn her loss are her children: Richard (Holly) Below, Mary Jo (Timothy) Scott, and Rachel (Ivaylo) Klimentov. Grandchildren: Jordan Below, Breanna Below, Janie (John Ohlsson) Below, Stone (Emily) Scott, Beau Scott, Avery Wettrich, Eva Klimentov and Maya Klimentov, Great-grandchildren, Carolynn, Rose, Khileigh,and Theo. Siblings Mary (the late Gary) Below and Bill (Sue) Chapman, Sister-in-Law Carla Chapman, brother in law Dave (the late Amy) Below and special nephew and niece, Gabe (Avery Robinson) Below and Haley Abraugh as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews whom she so loved!

Carol will finally be reunited with those she loved, lost and missed terribly, including her beloved parents, her loving husband of 51 years, Richard, her son, Jeffery, whose death took a piece of her, her big and little brothers who meant so much to her: Roland, Richard, James and Gordon Chapman, dear sister-in-law Jacque Chapman, brother-in-laws Don (Tim Eicher), Jim and Gary Below, and father and mother-in-law Fritz and Agnes Below. What a reunion it will be!

A memorial service/gathering will be held for Carol Thursday, December 19 at 6:00 P.M. at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Port Clinton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Carol may be given to The Humane Society of Ottawa County or an organization of the donor’s choice.