1953-2024
Carol Ann (Grasty) Edwards, a beacon of love and selflessness, passed away peacefully on Nov. 6, 2024, in her hometown of Stuart, where she was also born on April 27, 1953, to the late Willis and Velma Waddell Grasty. Carol Ann’s life was one of devotion and joy, which she generously spread to all who knew her.
A true Stuart native, Carol Ann’s roots ran deep in the community. She graduated from Stuart High School, and it was there that she cultivated a life rich with love and laughter. On June 25, 1968, she married her soulmate, Orland Duane Edwards, and together they embarked on a life journey that would be filled with shared dreams and cherished memories. Although they lived briefly in Redfield, Carol Ann and Duane eventually returned to Stuart to make their home and raise their family, a decision that would forever anchor them to their beloved community.
Carol Ann was a dedicated mother to her son, Darrell Lee Edwards, and his longtime girlfriend, Angela, and her daughters, Sheila Plowman and husband, Troy, and Shannon Edwards. She took immense pride in her role as a grandmother to Cody, Cameron, Brandon, Bryant, Breanna, Tristan and Sierra Edwards, each of whom brought her immeasurable joy. She was a loving sister to Everett Grasty and his wife, Carla; Vernie Grasty and his wife, Keryl; Donna O’Brien and her husband, Doug; and Paula Frank and her friend, Pam VanScoy. Her family was her world, and she nurtured each relationship with care and affection.
Carol Ann’s career was as nurturing as her personal life. For 25 years, she ran her own daycare, where she touched the lives of countless children and their families with her loving nature. Prior to this, she worked diligently at Ross Daniels in Des Moines for 13 years and at the Redfield Tile Plant for six years. Her work ethic and genuine care for others left a lasting impression on everyone she worked with.
Her interests were as varied as they were passionate. Born in her grandmother Waddell’s home, delivered by her grandmother herself, Carol Ann had a unique connection to her family’s history. She loved to engage in activities that brought people together, whether it was playing billiards, working on puzzles, dancing at pool tournaments, or simply spending precious time with her family and many friends. Her enthusiasm for life’s simple pleasures was contagious and brought warmth to any gathering. She thoroughly enjoyed Coffee Sundays with her sisters, Paula and Donna.
Carol Ann will be remembered for her loving nature, her thoughtful ways, and her selfless approach to life. She was a woman who always put others before herself, and her legacy of kindness will live on in the hearts of those she has left behind.
She is lovingly remembered by her family and friends and will be deeply missed. Carol Ann was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Duane; her sister, Katie Bolin; her parents; and her grandparents, Eunice and Charles Waddell, Floyd and Esther Bechtel, and Everett Grasty Sr.
Carol Ann’s life was a testament to the power of love and the importance of family. Her spirit, a guiding light to all who had the pleasure of knowing her, will continue to shine brightly in the memories she leaves behind. As we say goodbye to this remarkable woman, we celebrate the lasting impact she has made on our lives and the community she so dearly loved.
Visitation will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Johnson Family Funeral Home and Crematory – Stuart Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.johnsonfamilyfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the family.