It is with sadness and love that we announce the passing of Carol Crist, a devoted wife and mother, cherished friend, and dedicated educator, who passed away on June 21, 2025 at the age of 81 surrounded by her family.

Carol spent her life lifting others up through her kindness and her gift for teaching. She taught third and fourth grade at St. John the Baptist School in New Haven, Indiana where she touched the lives of countless children with her warmth, patience, and genuine care. Her classroom was a place of encouragement and learning.

Outside of teaching, Carol loved the simple pleasures of life: window shopping on a sunny day, a good game of euchre, lunch dates with friends, and spending time with her family. Although she was a life long resident of Indiana, Carol escaped to the sunshine of Florida with her husband Jim during the colder winter months upon retirement. She was always ready to get back to Indiana once the weather turned warm again to spend time at home.

Carol is survived by her children, Tom (Trish) Crist, Cheryl (Joe) Schmidt and Dan (Michelle) Crist; grandchildren, Rose, Addy, Cami, Liza, Olivia, Maddy, Ryan and Alex and brother Ken (Cathy) Mertens. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, her father, Kenneth Mertens, her mother, Florence Mertens and stepmother, Margaret Mertens.

A service to celebrate Carol's life will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 11:00am at St. John the Baptist Church in New Haven with visitation beforehand from 9:00am-11:00am at the church. Arrangements were made at Divine Mercy Funeral Home-Cedar Canyons, 1986 W. Cedar Canyons Rd., Huntertown, IN 46748.

In honor of her lifelong dedication to education, memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Baptist School in New Haven. Online condolences may be left at www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com.