Carol Jean Gillaspie

Carol Jean Gillaspie, age 79, of Albia, passed away Thursday, October 6, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. Carol was born October 13, 1931 near Blakesburg to Ralph and Cora (Stocker) Tubaugh. She married Jerold Hiatt Gillaspie on March 2, 1951 in Belle Plaine, IA. They were blessed with two children, Jerold Wayne and Mark Hiatt. Carol graduated from Blakesburg High School. She studied business at Kirkwood Community College. Carol worked for P&W Trucking Company, and the PMA office. She worked for the school system for 32 years as a teacher, secretary at the high school, and secretary of the school board, and also worked for a short period at H&R Block. Carol attended the Open Bible Church in Pella and was a previous member of the World Wide Church of God, Master Gardeners, Retired Teachers, and was on the Cemetery Association Board. Carol was very active in volunteering for Prison Fellowship Ministries from 1998-2009 with the IFI Program. She loved working with the prison inmates and their families. Because of her volunteer work, she received a Governor's Volunteer Award from Governor Vilsack. She enjoyed reading, history, supporting the FFA, and loved baseball. She also loved spending time outdoors. Family was everything to Carol. She enjoyed spending time with and being supportive of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Carol is survived by her husband Jerold Gillaspie of Albia; two children, Jerold Wayne Gillaspie and Mark Hiatt (Cynthia) Gillaspie; six grandchildren, Matthew (Amy) Gillaspie, Justin Gillaspie, Amanda (Joshua) Hoelzel, Gary (Melanie) Gillaspie, Jason (Danielle) Gillaspie, and Derek (Jennifer) Gillaspie; 17 great grandchildren, Tyler Hollier, Michael Gillaspie, Alexis Gillaspie, Lizbeth Hoelzel, Timothy White, Gregary Gillaspie, Joselynn Gillaspie, Colton Gillaspie, Carolynn Gillaspie, Edynn Gillaspie, Samantha Gillaspie, Taylor Gillaspie, Brandon Gillaspie, Rielly Gillaspie, Keegan Gillaspie, Jack Gillaspie, and Sydney Gillaspie; two brothers, Gerald and Larry Tubaugh and a sister, Mary Haller; one spiritual daughter, Mickey (Terry) Pope; and two spiritual grandsons, Terrence and Jordan Pope. Carol was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Betty Israel. Memorial services will be 10:30 AM, Monday, October 10, 2011 at Tharp-Winfield Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Adam Goetzke officiating. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery in Moravia. Visitation will be from 11 AM until 8 PM Sunday, October 9, 2011 at the funeral home, with Carol's family present from 4-8 PM. An open memorial has been established in Carol's name. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.tharpfh.com.

Carol Jean Gillaspie

October 13, 1931 - October 6, 2011