Carole J. McGillvary, age 87, of Mendon, passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at The Gardens at Celina.

She was born October 17, 1935, in Mendon, to Wilmer L. Clay and Hollies A. (Nolan) Dilbone. Her mother and step-father, Willard B. "Red" Dilbone, and her father and step-mother, Margaret L. "Maggie" (Mosier) Clay, all preceded her in death.

Carole and Vermont D. "Montie" McGillvary were married on February 19, 1956, and Montie preceded her in death November 18, 2020.

Surviving are their three children: Greg (Amy) McGillvary of Livonia, Michigan, and Lori (Jim) Bader and Kari (Chris) Cron of Celina, 8 grandchildren: Hillary, Clay, Morgan, Brady, Kasey, Luke, Paige, and Aaron, 5 great grandkids: Landon, Reese, Ella, Chester, and Dutton, her sister, Audrey Snyder of Mendon, and half-brothers: Ricky (Deb) Clay and Jim Clay of Van Wert, and Scott (Christopher Johnson) Clay of Chicago.

Preceding her in death were a brother, Richard Clay, brother-in-law, Stephan Snyder, sister-in-law, Betty McGillvary, brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Ed & Judy (Huwer) McGillvary, and Montie's parents: Orville Lee & Dorothy Dale (Skinner) McGillvary.

Carole was a 1953 graduate of Mendon-Union High School. She had worked in the office at the Van Wert County Sheriff's Department, and was a School Secretary for the Mendon-Union and Parkway Local School Districts for many years. Carole was a member of the Mendon Civic Club and Mendon First Church of God, and attended St. Paul Lutheran Church in Liberty Township. She enjoyed growing flowers, rearranging home furnishings, and collecting decorative items. Carole's greatest joy was her family, and she loved spending time with the grandkids and great grandkids.

Calling Hours will be held at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Mendon, on Friday, January 20, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by the Memorial Service, beginning at 1:00, with Pastor Robin Owen officiating. Burial will take place at a later date at Mendon Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Paul Liberty Lutheran Church, 9380 Wabash Rd., Rockford, 45882, or EverHeart Hospice, 1350 N. Broadway, Greenville, 45331.

Condolences can be expressed to Carole's family at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.