Carolyn Faye Ehlenfeld
1939 - 2025
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Carolyn Faye (Kunkle) Ehlenfeld, age 86, of Tilton, Illinois, formerly of Ridge Farm, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois.
Born on January 20, 1939, in Ridge Farm, Carolyn was the daughter of Herschel Fay and Mildred (Wilfong) Kunkle. On June 24, 1956, she married her soulmate, Harry Warren Ehlenfeld. Their enduring love story spanned 62 years until Harry's passing in 2018.
Carolyn leaves behind a devoted family, including her children: Sheryl Lewis, Jeffrey (Fela) Ehlenfeld, Kathy (John) Twork, and Karla Brooks. She was a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren—Michael, Trent, Stephanie, Jamie, Douglas, John, Christopher, and Joshua—and delighted in her twelve great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Carolyn dedicated many years as a secretary and bookkeeper at Ridge Farm Grade School, Ridge Farm High School, and Georgetown High School. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to own and operate Carolyn’s Floral and Gift Shop in Ridge Farm for several years, where she became a beloved member of the local business community. Through her shop, she not only provided beautiful floral arrangements and unique gifts but also demonstrated a deep commitment to her hometown. Carolyn took great pride in decorating local businesses for various holidays, transforming storefronts with festive displays that brought joy and a sense of celebration to the entire community. Her efforts were widely appreciated, as they enhanced the charm of Ridge Farm and fostered a warm, welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
She played a pivotal role in the establishment of the kindergarten class in the Carnegie Library basement, serving as President of the Ridge Farm Kindergarten Club. Her passion for community involvement extended to organizing bowling leagues and instructing new bowlers at Ridgeway Lanes. She was an accomplished musician playing the accordian, piano and organ for weddings and special occasions.
Carolyn attended Danville Area Community College and Midwest University where she earned her real estate license. She furthered her education at Eastern Illinois University, receiving her Certified Illinois Municipal Treasurer (CIMT) designation.
For 21 years, Carolyn served the Village of Ridge Farm as Clerk and Treasurer and was a dedicated trustee and auditor for the Ridge Farm Carnegie Library. Her faith guided her life; as a member of Olivet Nazarene Church, she facilitated the Chapter 13 Bible study class for several years, led the women's ministries as president, and contributed to several committees. Carolyn’s generosity and compassion were evident in her love for her church family and her commitment to helping others.
Upon moving to Autumn Fields, Carolyn quickly became a beloved member of the community, making wonderful friends and always greeting newcomers with a smile. She was President of the resident council, taught Bible classes, and enjoyed group activities such as puzzles, bingo, and euchre.
Carolyn’s hobbies included golfing, bowling, gardening, cooking, and arts and crafts. She was renowned for her homemade chicken and noodles and yeast rolls, which brought joy to family gatherings. Carolyn’s warmth, kindness, and friendly spirit touched all who knew her.
Carolyn will be deeply missed by her loving family, friends, and all those whose lives she enriched. Her legacy of service, compassion, and joy will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have known her.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. In the meantime, we welcome you to share memories, stories, and photos that reflect who Carolyn was and the life she lived.
Cremation rites were accorded by Watson Cremation Services PLLC, 1511 Greenwood Cemetery Rd., Danville, IL 61832.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, the American Heart Association, Ridge Farm Carnegie Library, Ridge Farm Crown Hill Cemetery, or a charity of your choice.
Thank you for your support during our time of loss.
Born on January 20, 1939, in Ridge Farm, Carolyn was the daughter of Herschel Fay and Mildred (Wilfong) Kunkle. On June 24, 1956, she married her soulmate, Harry Warren Ehlenfeld. Their enduring love story spanned 62 years until Harry's passing in 2018.
Carolyn leaves behind a devoted family, including her children: Sheryl Lewis, Jeffrey (Fela) Ehlenfeld, Kathy (John) Twork, and Karla Brooks. She was a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren—Michael, Trent, Stephanie, Jamie, Douglas, John, Christopher, and Joshua—and delighted in her twelve great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Carolyn dedicated many years as a secretary and bookkeeper at Ridge Farm Grade School, Ridge Farm High School, and Georgetown High School. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to own and operate Carolyn’s Floral and Gift Shop in Ridge Farm for several years, where she became a beloved member of the local business community. Through her shop, she not only provided beautiful floral arrangements and unique gifts but also demonstrated a deep commitment to her hometown. Carolyn took great pride in decorating local businesses for various holidays, transforming storefronts with festive displays that brought joy and a sense of celebration to the entire community. Her efforts were widely appreciated, as they enhanced the charm of Ridge Farm and fostered a warm, welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
She played a pivotal role in the establishment of the kindergarten class in the Carnegie Library basement, serving as President of the Ridge Farm Kindergarten Club. Her passion for community involvement extended to organizing bowling leagues and instructing new bowlers at Ridgeway Lanes. She was an accomplished musician playing the accordian, piano and organ for weddings and special occasions.
Carolyn attended Danville Area Community College and Midwest University where she earned her real estate license. She furthered her education at Eastern Illinois University, receiving her Certified Illinois Municipal Treasurer (CIMT) designation.
For 21 years, Carolyn served the Village of Ridge Farm as Clerk and Treasurer and was a dedicated trustee and auditor for the Ridge Farm Carnegie Library. Her faith guided her life; as a member of Olivet Nazarene Church, she facilitated the Chapter 13 Bible study class for several years, led the women's ministries as president, and contributed to several committees. Carolyn’s generosity and compassion were evident in her love for her church family and her commitment to helping others.
Upon moving to Autumn Fields, Carolyn quickly became a beloved member of the community, making wonderful friends and always greeting newcomers with a smile. She was President of the resident council, taught Bible classes, and enjoyed group activities such as puzzles, bingo, and euchre.
Carolyn’s hobbies included golfing, bowling, gardening, cooking, and arts and crafts. She was renowned for her homemade chicken and noodles and yeast rolls, which brought joy to family gatherings. Carolyn’s warmth, kindness, and friendly spirit touched all who knew her.
Carolyn will be deeply missed by her loving family, friends, and all those whose lives she enriched. Her legacy of service, compassion, and joy will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have known her.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. In the meantime, we welcome you to share memories, stories, and photos that reflect who Carolyn was and the life she lived.
Cremation rites were accorded by Watson Cremation Services PLLC, 1511 Greenwood Cemetery Rd., Danville, IL 61832.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, the American Heart Association, Ridge Farm Carnegie Library, Ridge Farm Crown Hill Cemetery, or a charity of your choice.
Thank you for your support during our time of loss.
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