Carol Lynne (Sitler) Silvernell

CAROL LYNNE SILVERNELL joined her beloved husband, Bob, who was probably not so patiently waiting for her in Heaven for five months, on April 3, 2024. She and Bob were destined to be together and created a life filled with love, family and friendships. Born on October 10, 1940, she was the middle of three children (Don, Carol and Ric) of Rev. Clarence E. Sitler and Lillian Doyle Sitler of Indiana.

Carol was born in Goshen, IN where she announced at the age of five that she was called to be a nurse. She was a loving daughter who worked hard, took on responsibility well above her age, and helped raise her younger brother, Ric. She and Ric were lifelong best friends and shared a special bond that would allow them to always stay connected, no matter the distance.

Bob was behind the wheel in March 1959 when Carol met the love of her life. He was driving his friend Jack’s 1958 Chevy convertible when he saw a beautiful girl in a car at the corner of Fourth and Vine in Cincinnati. Carol Sitler was in her friend Joyce’s 1953 Chevy Coupe. She was attending nursing school at Christ Hospital School of Nursing and they were on their way back to the dorm. It was by the grace of God they met as their paths were not likely to cross anywhere but in transit. Their ordained partnership, committed love, and strong faith would guide them through life’s many challenges during their 62 years of marriage.

Carol’s most impressive accomplishments were Debbie and Dale, their children who were her inspiration and loves. Together, the four of them lived in eight states (to include Puerto Rico), where they worked hard, built businesses and homes, and tackled each day together with faith, love and fortitude.

They built several homes, including a cliffside home in Puerto Rico, a cabin in North Carolina, and a home in Briggs, Texas. They also owned and operated two dairy farms in Indiana. The family lived their best life together, as evidenced by Carol (then a young mother) being a rodeo queen in Kentucky in the late 1960s while Bob was a bull rider and farmer.

After Kentucky, the family moved for their careers to Southern Indiana, Atlanta and then Shreveport. In 1985, the family moved into a house in Palmas del Mar, Humacao, PR and Dale joined the Army. In Puerto Rico, Carol had a variety of jobs that she loved, from teaching scuba diving to managing two condominiums.

In 2007, they moved to Texas to be closer to their daughter, Debbie and her family. That is where they met fellow car enthusiasts who became a second family, often meeting up at Dairy Queen and at local car shows. Restoring classic cars was a hobby--Bob handled the engines and body, and Carol brought her talents to the interior. Together, they restored dozens of classic cars, including El Caminos, Corvettes, and Roadsters.

In 2022, Bob and Carol returned to Indiana (Anderson) where they restored a 1940s bungalow on Mounds Road as they made memories with family who came to help. They enjoyed their final years hosting visitors, reminiscing about their life well lived, and spending time with Dale, Yoyo and Justin.

Carol was the heart of the family for Debbie (Gilbert) and Dale (Yoyo). Her grandchildren, Robert, Travis, Nicole, Andrea, Teresa, and Justin, along with 22 beloved nieces and nephews, will forever cherish memories of a matriarch who was always kind, creative, patient and thoughtful. Playing cards, working together on projects (at any of their houses), and traveling to spend time with loved ones marked the most special and memorable moments in life.

Carol’s lifelong passion was nursing, and she worked at a half dozen hospitals (most notably at Children’s Egleston Hospital) as a surgical nurse, using her talents to help run operating rooms and emergency rooms, or serving on hospital boards. She was fair, shared her knowledge, ran a tight ship, and made sure every nurse was well trained and fully prepared to give exceptional care.

Always together in life and following closely in death, the family knows they couldn’t be apart for long. No doubt Bob greeted Carol at the heavenly gates, wondering what took her so long. In 2024, the family will hold a Celebration of Life for both Bob and Carol in Cincinnati. The family wishes to thank Legacy Cremation and Funeral Services for their assistance and support.