Carol Rumann

If there is one word that truly captures who Carol Rumann was, it’s happy. Not the kind of happiness that ignores reality, but the kind that looks straight at hardship and still chooses hope. No matter how bleak something seemed, she would always find the positive—and somehow help you see it too.

Her goal every single day was simple and beautiful: to brighten someone else’s day whether through a baked goodie or just my being there in someone’s time of need. And she did that effortlessly with her smile, her laughter, her honesty, and her heart.

Carol had a gift for people and her genuineness and care made others feel comfortable almost automatically. She would sit with you for hours, if that’s what you needed. She listened without rushing to judgment, loved unconditionally, and gave advice that was real and sometimes blunt but always wrapped in care. She could tell you exactly how it was and somehow, you’d walk away feeling stronger, lighter, and deeply loved. She was a person you could cry with, laugh with, and trust completely.

Carol served many roles but her family was her greatest achievement. She was always proud of her children and her love for them was limitless, fierce, and unconditional. Being one of her children was a blessing and the values she instilled in will carry on with for the rest of their lives. But, the most important role she served and cherished most was simply being Grams to her five grandchildren. Each of them was influenced in many ways by Grams and her memory will live on through them:

Her oldest grandchild Mikalynn (Miki) shares her love for art and creativity. Grams was always one of the first—if not the first—to respond how much she loved the beautiful images Miki shared online and was so very proud of Miki for her creativity and caring nature. Grams will be in every piece Miki creates from here on out!

Miki’s younger sister Abby carried on Gram’s love for riding horses and performing on drill teams. Just last summer Grams got to watch Abby perform at the Frontier Days rodeos and parades as a Dandy and she reminisced about her own experiences riding in those same parades as a Foxy Trotter. We will all remember getting up early and setting out chairs in front of the Egg and I on parade days so that we had the best seats in house to watch Abby ride in the parade! Grams will always be part of Abby’s patient, caring, and persistent approach to horse training and riding now and in the future.

Carol’s grandson Jefferson will carry on her fishing tradition and passion for fishing. One of her fondest memories was a fishing trip to Jan Lake in Canada which was the trip that ignited Jefferson’s own passion for fishing. His patience and perseverance while fishing came directly from Grams and we know she will continue to be right there fishing with him giving advice and helping him pick out the right lure to use!

Carol’s granddaughter Rylee shares her love for performing as a singer and dancer. Gram’s began performing as a child in Chicago and she often talked about the experiences she had performing with her brother Eddie there. Rylee began performing early on in life as a dancer and Grams hardly ever—if ever—missed a performance, whether in-person or virtually. Grams couldn’t wait to share with Rylee how beautiful she was as a dancer and as a person after every performance. Rylee knows Grams will be watching her every time she dances and will be loving every moment of it!

Reece, Carol’s youngest grandchild, is a Dog Whisperer just like Grams! If you knew Carol you undoubtedly heard dog stories and how important her dogs were to her as part of the family. She raised and trained many dogs in her lifetime and her natural instincts can be seen in how Reece treats all animals with care, dignity, and respect. It feels good to know that Carol will live on through the dogs Reece cares for now and in the future!

Carol loved being outdoors and that is something we all enjoy doing together whether it’s camping, fishing, or just hanging out on the front porch or patio. That is why we are especially grateful that nearly all of us got to share one last road trip with Carol this past summer during a tour of Wyoming through Teton National Park, Yellowstone, and the Big Horn Mountains. And, we were all able to be together for Christmas, which we are so very thankful for because it was always Carol’s favorite holiday. These memories will always be dear whenever the family gets to be together.

Carol’s son-in-law, Jeff and her grandchildren were not able to be there with her at the end of her time here on earth but her legacy will live on through her children and grandchildren. Carol instilled values to always maintain integrity, care for others, face adversity with faith and confidence, and put family first. to name a few.

Carol was a blessing to many especially to those who truly knew her heart. Her kindness, wisdom, and joy live on in the lives she touched. And while she will be missed more than words can say, we all are better because of her. We will honor her by continuing to love, to hope, and to brighten the days of others—just like she always did.