Carolyn Jane Gernentz, 86, of Hope, passed away Thursday, April 29, 2021 at Keepsake Village of Columbus.

Born on October 19, 1934 in Hope, Carolyn was the daughter of Inman John and Lola Mae Robertson Clouse. She married Lee Gernentz on November 29, 1953, and he preceded her in death on August 28, 1996.

Carolyn graduated from Hope High School and received a master's degree in education from Ball State University. After graduation, she taught Headstart at Muscatatuk then went on to teach special education at Greensburg and Shelbyville school corporations.

She was a member of Hope United Methodist Church and was a Sunday School teacher. Carolyn served as past President of Women Society Christian Service and was a member of Christian International Ministries Network, Women's Aglow, Hope Ministerial Association, Delta Zeta, and served on the board at DSI Developmental Services.

Carolyn was involved in Prison Fellowship and ministries. She spent 10 years as a volunteer chaplain with the DOC at Camp Atterbury. She was also a 4-H leader.

Carolyn's main passions were her family and ministries.

Survivors include children, Kyle (Kirk) McDonald of Columbus, Kim (Tom) Harris of Columbus, and Kris (Lisa) Gernentz of Williamsport, TN; daughter-in-law, Janelle (Jim) Gernentz Powell of Hope; 11 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Kevin Gernentz; and brother, Merrill Clouse.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 6 p.m. at Hope United Methodist Church with Pastor Ed Cottrell officiating. Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the church. Cremation will follow. Inurnment will take place at Hope Moravian Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Hope United Methodist Church, 432 Washington Street Hope, IN 47246 or Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, 2626 17 ^th Street Columbus, IN 47201.