Carol Ruth Petrie, 78, of Decatur, AL, died August 11, 2018 after a year of declining health. She was raised in Colden, NY, the daughter of a Lutheran minister. Parents Arthur and Dorothy Kleindienst instilled in Carol values of service to others, love of God, industry and thriftiness.
Carol married fellow Valparaiso University student Bernard J. Petrie in 1958, and was a long time resident of Munster, Indiana where Barney practiced law. She suffered the tragedy of early widowhood at age 44 but was supported by a close circle of friends.
In 2009 she relocated to Decatur, Alabama to be closer to family. Starting over in a new community can be difficult but Carol demonstrated her usual fortitude, and found a loving home at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church where she admired and participated in their community outreach programs. She also volunteered for other organizations, including the Community Free Clinic-Decatur. Carol enjoyed reading, gardening, and cooking for others. Carol was preceded in death by her husband Bernard J. Petrie and great-grandson Austin Cook. She is survived by daughters, Diane (John) Korellis of Livermore, CA and Sandy (Scott) Harris of Montgomery, AL; one son, Scott (Janice) Petrie of Town Creek, AL; three grandchildren, Josh Jones of Madison, AL, Jenny Monarch of Battle Creek, MI, and Henry Korellis of Livermore, CA; two great-grandchildren, Kaitlin Cook and Ben Jones; and two sisters, Dorothy Pohlman and Virginia Puschek.
Memorial service will be Thursday, August 16, 2018, 3:00 p.m. at Shelton Funeral Home with Rev. Keith Beatly officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to service.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Committee on Church Cooperation or the Wesley Memorial Garden fund or Family Ministry fund. The family would like to thank the members of Wesley Memorial for their support and friendship to Carol, especially during the last difficult year.
