Donna Jean Carroll

In Loving Memory of Donna Jean Carroll (Eshleman) March 16, 1936-January 1, 2024

Donna Carroll, age 87, passed away January 1, 2024, in Carmel, Indiana. She was born March 16, 1936, in Rock Falls, Illinois. Donna spent most of her life in Rock Falls-Sterling prior to moving to Indiana.

Donna was proceeded in death by her husband, Jack Carroll, daughter, Marlo Carroll, Mother and Father Clara and Roy Eshleman and sister Nancy Ricks.

She is survived by her children, Tamra Kwasegroch and Margo Blatz (Greg), sister Phyllis VanNatta, and brother Dennis Eshleman (Peggy). Donna is also survived by five grandchildren: Jennifer Fite, Elizabeth Sterbenz (Conor), Christopher Kwasegroch, Spencer Blatz (Megan), and Sawyer Blatz as well as seven great grandchildren: Aurora, Sadie, Eve, McKenzie, Sydney, Owen and Calvin.

Donna loved her family, her home, and the simple things in life. Her unique way of making everything special (almost magical) brought friends and family together for the duration of her life. For example, she filled her home with magazine worthy table settings, coveted Christmas cookie recipes, and the best garage sale treasures that she arranged with love for her grandchildren.  Christmas at the Carroll home meant walking into a winter wonderland of the most beautiful decorations, collected over a lifetime.

Nobody was a stranger to Donna. She knew all the McDonald's employees by name and spoke to anyone she encountered with a smile. She could carry a conversation with a teenager as easily as she could an elderly acquaintance walking through the mall and expressed sincere interest for anything they had to say.

Donna devoted her life to her husband, Jack. Anyone in their presence could feel the love they shared, which helped make their company so refreshing and easy.  They lived simply with lots of routines, but she wasn't scared to step out of her comfort zone either. Donna helped to create so many memories and traditions that we will cherish for our lifetimes and pass along to others.

A special thank you for our wonderful Bickford of Carmel Family for loving Donna and for taking such great care of her. We will forever be grateful.