Carol Ziemba

Carol Lynn Ziemba, age 76, of Greenville passed peacefully on Sunday, March 1st after bravely battling cancer for just 40 days.

Carol was the eldest daughter of Clark and Emily McCarty, born in Gary, IN on July 30, 1949. She met Larry Ziemba while they were both working at Sinclair Oil Refinery, where Carol was employed as Larry’s key punch operator because Larry could not type. This led to them marrying on 4/4/70 and they shared 44 wonderful years together before Larry’s passing in 2014. Together they had two children, Christopher Scott and Amy Jeanne. Carol was a homemaker and a loving mother, always present.

The family moved to Goreville, Illinois in 1978 where Carol became a staple in the community. From coaching little league teams, being on the school board, and watching every basketball, baseball and softball game her children ever played, she was a constant support to not only her own children, but others as well. Carol was an extremely intelligent, sharp witted woman who loved nothing more than a good conversation or debate, and had a huge heart for those in need, all qualities she passed on to her family.

As much as Carol loved her children, she was wholly devoted to her grandson, Tyler, claiming him as her “joy and happiness” even on her very last day. She was much more than a just a grandma to Tyler, she was his mother figure as well. Larry and Carol moved to Greenville in 2004 to be even closer to Chris and Tyler. Carol loved and supported them with a fierce determination that would be hard to match. It was no secret to her own children (and joked about often) that Tyler was absolutely her favorite person. She loved him dearly.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Ziemba and her parents Clark & Emily McCarty. She is survived by: her son Christopher (Belinda) Ziemba of Greenville, daughter Amy (Rhett Michelson) Ziemba of Las Vegas, Nevada, grandson Tyler Ziemba of Belleville, three step-grandsons: Drew (Lindsey) Baxter of Joplin, MO, Gabe (Audrey) Baxter of Greenville, IL and Zeke Baxter, Greenville and her sister Laura (Dennis) Williamson of Florida as well as her nephews Scott and Jonathon.

Per her wishes, there will be no services for Carol. The last several years, Carol fostered dogs for BCHS, offering them the quiet solitude and steady love they needed. Memorials in honor of Carol can be sent to the Bond County Humane Society.

Donnell–Wiegand Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared online at www.donnellwiegand.com.

Obit Provided By:
Donnell-Wiegand Funeral Home