Carol Ann Hochstetler

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Carol Ann Headley Hochstetler

July 6, 1949 – March 18, 2026

Carol Ann Hochstetler, 76, of Elkhart, Indiana passed from this life to the next on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at her residence.  On May 21, 1983 she married Melvin B. Hochstetler, who survives.

Also surviving is a daughter, Laura Williams; two step-daughters, Tina Maurer and Nicole Shields; grandchildren, Luke Willams, Alexander Alliy, April French, Amber Smith, Austin Maurer, Morgan Moreland and Emily Bailey; great-grandchildren:  Savanna, Levi, Richard, Addlyn, Kalyn, Declan, Sorin, Keegan, Jaiden, Brooklyn, Hudson, Rosalie, Callan, Breckham, Kaylee, Chase, Issac, Ivy; God-children, Kristina Hemminger, April Cook, Teonna James, Dennis Toni and Shaun Casto; and 23 nieces & nephews; 50 great-nieces & nephews; 63 great-great-nieces & nephews; and 1 great-great-great-niece.  By marriage there is an additional 61 nieces & nephews and greats.  Each and every one of them were so very special to her!

Preceding her in death are her parents; four sisters, Ermagene Lintner, Helen Cole, Betty-Jo Headley and America Schmaltz; two brothers, Estes Healdy, Jr. and Forest Headley; adopted brother, Maurice Parks; nephews:  Glen Zellers, Ed Headley, Rickie Schmaltz; a great-niece, a great-nephew; and a great-great-niece.

Carol graduated from New Carlisle High School in 1967 with the National Librarian Award for 1967.  She attended House of James Beauty School during high school summer breaks, later attending Indiana University in South Bend.

She started her working career at the New Carlisle Library as an assistant during her senior year of high school.  She went on to be a credit manager for Shaum Electric and a deputy assessor for Elkhart County, and a wedding consultant and owner of Something Special.

Carol was a member of the United Church of Christ, serving as its treasurer, Sunday school teacher and was part of the Stephen Ministries team.  In 1981 she received the Parent of the Year Award from Parents without Partners.  She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, most crafts, but most of all was spending time with her husband & family.

Viewing will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana.  The funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m., with cremation to follow.  Interment will be in New Carlisle Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

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