Carole Elizabeth Elliott

BESSEMER, Mich. — Carole Elizabeth Elliott, 86, a longtime resident of Bessemer, passed away Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020.

Carole was born on Dec. 31, 1933, in Minneapolis, a daughter of Everett H. and Ruth Elizabeth (Goyins) Williams. She attended Ironwood schools and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1952.

In 1953, Carole married the love of her life, William D. Elliott. She moved with him to Virginia, Texas and Louisiana while he completed his military duties with the U.S. Navy. In 1956, they traveled back to Bessemer, where they made their home together for 67 years.

Carole loved her home, always painting and gardening. There was always a project. She loved to bake and made the most delicious cinnamon rolls and apple pies made with lots of love and Stempihar apples.

A true people person, Carole enjoyed working at the Ben Franklin in Bessemer with the girls for many years until its closing.

Carole was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was willing to listen without judgment and lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Her grandchildren have many wonderful memories of times at Grandma’s house. There was the annual Christmas picnic, kickball in the backyard, darts and pool in the basement, card games from Old Maid to Cribbage and many treats. Grandma was loved and will always be dearly missed.

Carole was a lifelong member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Ironwood. She served on various committees, taught Sunday school, helped with confirmation classes and baked many desserts, enjoying every minute of it. Carole dearly loved her church and her church family.

When asked once how she wanted to be remembered, she simply replied, “I had a good life, was happy, had a great family and loved them all very much.” To my friends, “Thank you for all the good times, I love you.”

Carole is survived by her adoring husband, William; a loving daughter, Dianne Bravatto, Bessemer; a devoted sister, Everille (Ronald) Lindner, Tulsa, Oklahoma; three cherished grandchildren, Nathan (Lucy) Bravatto, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Justin Bravatto, Sault Ste. Marie, and Elizabeth (Lucas) Daniels, Bessemer; a precious great-granddaughter, Alora Daniels, Bessemer; three dear nieces, Jodine Martin and Christine (Brandon) Freebern, both of Tulsa, and Traci Smith, New Smyrna Beach, Florida; two special nephews, Scott (Joy) Lindner, Springfield, Missouri, and Rodney (Lily) Haanpaa, Sullivan, Missouri; and many loyal friends.

She was predeceased by her parents.

A service to honor Carole’s life will be held Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 1 p.m., preceded by visitation at noon, at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 500 E. McLeod Ave., in Ironwood, with the Rev. Jean B. Rencontre and Rev. Keith Mullikin officiating.

Cake and coffee will be served at the church fellowship hall following the service.

In times of darkness, love sees.

In times of silence, love hears.

In times of doubt, love hopes.

In times of sorrow, love heals

And in all times, love remembers.

May time soften the pain.

Until all that remains

Is the warmth of the memories

And the love.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.