Carol Kay Putman, 86, formerly of Washington Township, Whitley County, passed away at 8:18 a.m. Monday, May 15, 2025, at Story Point West, Fort Wayne, where she had been a resident since October 2021.

She was born July 23, 1938, in Noble County, Indiana, a daughter of the late Lawrence and Amelia (Trimmer) Ott. Growing up in Thorncreek Twp., Whitley County, she graduated from Columbia City High School in 1956.  She continued her education at the International Business College in Fort Wayne.

On July 25, 1964, she was united in marriage to Jerald W. Putman.  They have always made their home in Washington Township.  Jerald died on January 12, 2019.

For over 42 years, Carol was employed by I & M Electric Company, becoming AEP (American Electric Power) in the payroll department.

After the couple retired in the late 1990s, they traveled extensively both domestically and internationally.  Carol was a fan of country music, and the couple made an annual trip to Branson, MO.  They loved to take houseboat vacations on Lake Cumberland with friends.  Joining other retirees, she became a regular at the local Burger King.

Having no children, Carol is survived by her sisters, Georgia Rhoads of Bluffton, SC, Geneva Nevius of Kennewick, WA, Martha Dixon of LaPorte, and Marilyn Rhoads of Fort Wayne; her nieces and caretakers, Sandy K. Rhoads of Fort Wayne and Charlene (Larry) Schenk of Roanoke.

The funeral service is 1 p.m. Tuesday (May 20th) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at Jefferson Chapel Cemetery. Visitation is 11 a.m. until the service Tuesday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials in Carol's honor are to Merriam Christian Chapel Mission Fund.