Carol Knoph

Carol A. Knoph passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family in Carmel, Indiana, late in the evening of May 26, 2026. She was 82 years old.

Carol (known as Carrie to her husband and acquaintances) was born to parents Dorothy (née Martin) and Hollis Weed on December 29, 1943, in Richland, New York.

Carrie lived a rewarding life. Graduating from Paul V. Moore (Central Square) High School in 1961 in upstate New York, she went on to become an executive secretary at General Electric (GE) in Syracuse, where she eventually met the love of her life, Richard Knoph, and married him more than a half-century ago on October 27, 1973.

Carrie was proud of her work in GE’s Heavy Military division, which manufactured radar and sonar systems for the government. Her department was instrumental in the successful launch and return of the Mercury Atlas teams that safely guided astronaut Lt. Col. John Glenn into orbit in February 1962 and Lt. Commander Scott Carpenter into orbit a few months later, earning her honorary recognition for the work performed. Her success continued to be recognized in 1967 for her help in the U.S. achieving more than six dozen successful consecutive missile launches.

Upon her decision to stay home to raise a family, her adventures didn’t stop there. She traveled and relocated willingly and lovingly to multiple states within the U.S. as well as to Paris, France, in support of Rich’s work. She was essential to maintaining balance for her family, whom she loved very much. While in France, she was thrilled to bring a little American culture to Rich’s European colleagues by cooking them a bountiful Thanksgiving dinner that she was very proud to serve.

Carrie passed away in the family room of her home lying beneath framed portraits of Gregory and Heather that were drawn by a street artist in Paris 32 years ago.

Carrie is survived by her husband Richard; her children Gregory Knoph and Heather (Brian) Kurtz; and stepchildren Laura (Stacy) Smith and Kristin DeWitt. She is also survived by her six grandchildren: Katherine, Johnathan and Elowyn Knoph; Quentin and Marion Kurtz; and Emma DeWitt.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother and a sister.

Her family remains very close and has greatly appreciated the many wishes, prayers and unwavering support from friends, colleagues and neighbors.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 5, at Flanner Buchanan – Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250.

Flowers may be sent directly to Oaklawn Memorial Gardens with reference to Carol Knoph, or donations may be made in Carol's honor to the American Heart Association.