Carol Jean Needham , 79, of rural Columbia City, died peacefully in her sleep at 2:30 a.m. Monday, May 15, 2023, at her home.

She was born on August 27, 1943, in Marion, Indiana, a daughter of the late Eugene K and Ruth (Rutan) Druart. Growing up in Fort Wayne, she completed South Wayne Elementary School and graduated from South Side High School in 1961. Continuing her education, she earned an Associate's Degree in Business at William Woods Junior College in Fulton, MO.

On August 20, 1966, she married Stanley O. Needham, III. After his military service, the couple located in Fort Wayne. For the past 26 years, they have lived in rural Columbia City.

From 1984 to 1991, Carol worked for Needham's Business Machines, Fort Wayne.  In 1991, she became the office manager for Blume, Wyneken, Conley, Jordan, & Stucky, LLP, Fort Wayne. She completed her work career at the Downtown Holiday Inn, Fort Wayne, retiring in 2008.

Through the years, she enjoyed golf with her husband and friends and playing Bridge with her sorority sisters of Tri Kappa Philanthropic Organization. Fond of dogs and cats, she had many throughout her life, leaving behind their dog Kenzi and cat Mosi. She was a member of Living Hope Missionary Church in Dunfee.

Surviving is her husband of 56 years, Stan; two daughters, Meredith (Guy) Jacobs of Lawrence, KS and Amanda (John) Spruit of Muskegon, MI; grandchildren, Sabrina Jacobs, Luke Jacobs, and Savannah (Jade) Hendry; great-grandchildren, Lillian and Violet Hendry; and siblings, Dorothy O'Neil of Fort Wayne, and Steven (Joy) Druart of Sun City, AZ.

A memorial service at the Living Hope Missionary Church in Dunfee will be scheduled for a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Memorials in Carol's honor are to Parkview Home Health & Hospice, Tunnel to Towers, or the Humane Society of Whitley County.