COLUMBIA CITY: Carol D. Rethlake Porter Nolan, 86, of Columbia City, died at 8:35 pm. Monday, November 15, 2021 at Heritage Pointe in Fort Wayne.

Born April 2, 1935 in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.  She was a daughter of the late Elmer and Inez (Schad) Becker. At the age of 2, her family moved to Huntington, Indiana from Canada. She graduated from Huntington High School and received a Bachelors degree from Huntington College. She then received her Masters in Education from St. Francis College and later her Master in Social Work from Indiana University in Indianapolis.

In 1956 she married Tom Rethlake. In 1959 they moved to Noble County and then Wells County in 1965. In 1967 they moved to Whitley County.

In 1969 she began teaching English and Music at Thorncreek Township School, until 1975. She then taught English at Central Noble High School in Noble County before retiring in 1986. In 1995 she retired as a Social Worker. She was the grief support facilitator for Smith and Sons Funeral Home for several years.

On October 28, 1995 she was united in marriage to the late Raymond H. Porter. They always made their home in Columbia City. Mr. Porter died March 4, 2003.

On December 29, 2004 she was united in marriage to James A. Nolan Sr. They always made  their home in Columbia City.

Her memberships included Grace Lutheran Church where she served as Director of Music for 12 years, Parliamentary Law and Literary Club, Literary Council of Whitley County, Court Appointed Special Former Advocate volunteer for children and former member of Passages Human Rights Committee.

Surviving is her husband, Jim ; 3 sons, Mark (Julie) Rethlake, Mike (Patti) Rethlake and Kent (Brenda) Rethlake all of Columbia City; 5 step-sons, Timothy Lane Porter of Larchmont, NY, Craig Huntington Porter of Dearborn, MI, Christopher Leigh Porter of Columbia City, James A. Nolan Jr. of LaGrange, IL and Henry Nolan of Zionsville; 4 step-daughters, Ann Moore of Huntertown, Jennifer Trumbull of Fort Wayne, Mary Cartwright of Fayetteville, GA and Amy Sholtis of Cadyville, NY; 10 grandchildren; 19 step-grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and brother, Carlson Becker of Traverse City, MI.

She was preceded in death by her father, Elmer Becker, who was President Emeritus of Huntington College at time of death; mother, Inez Becker; brother, Winston Becker; and 2 sisters, Betty Favorite and Ruth Weber.

The funeral service is 3:00 pm on Sunday, November 21, 2021 at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Visitation will be two hours prior the time of service. Cremation to follow funeral service. Burial of cremains to be in Greenhill Cemetery.

Memorials in Carol's honor are to CASA of Northeast Indiana.