Carol Ann Mundhenk, 77 of Brookville, Ohio, went home to be with our Lord Tuesday, February 8, 2022.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Stephen & Gertrude Laponuke. She was a faithful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and servant of God. Carol is survived by her husband of 59 years, David Mundhenk; children, Amy (Derk) Kingrey, Marla (Jay) Grieshop, Eric (Jackie) Mundhenk; grandchildren, Mitchell Kingrey, Kara Stose, Nicholas Stose, Jenna (Wyatt) Hulett, Max Mundhenk & Myah Mundhenk; great-grandchildren, Calvin & Bailey Sherman, Luke Hulett & baby boy Mckenzie; brothers, Stephen & Randy Laponuke and numerous other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held 9-11 am Sat. Feb 19 in the second floor chapel at Salem Church of God, Clayton with a Memorial service starting at 11 am. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Wounded Warrior Project or Salem Church of God.

Carol was a devoted and caring wife, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who took pride in keeping her family closely knit and always keeping her door open.  Carol and Dave’s place, named “the compound”, was the gathering place for friends and family alike. You could always find love, support, eggs, snacks and stories every time you stopped by.  Carol was always a calming voice within the family and began every heartfelt bit of advice with her signature, “oh honey” followed by the most healing of hugs.  She could solve a conflict, shed light on a new perspective or heal a broken heart with just a conversation.

Carol, affectionally known as “Nana” to her grandkids and others, adored her grandchildren and great- grandchildren.  She never turned down an opportunity to babysit or taxi them around town.  She especially enjoyed caring for the youngest babies and constantly reminded everyone that babies were great blessings.  She was the very best at soothing even the crankiest baby with her special back tickles and Nana’s loving touch.

Carol was a devoted caretaker of anyone or anything in need. Perhaps her biggest passion in life besides caring for her family was caring for others.  “Mamma Mud” as she was widely known, took in many young adults and helped them find their way.  She had a knack for nurturing her vast adopted family by covering them with love and direction.  She instilled confidence, responsibility and hard work in each to change so many lives. 

Along with rehabilitating people, Carol had a gift for nursing sick, injured and abandoned animals back to health.  She shared this passion with her children and grandchildren and passed on a love for animals and empathy for all living beings.  She modeled the kind of selfless service and generosity that those around her aspire to carry forward.

Later in life, Carol took up chicken keeping, which eventually evolved into a sprawling egg business.  Her joy was derived from the countless visitors stopping in to get eggs. Her customers came from far and wide for a dozen colorful eggs and the best (and lengthy) conversation they’d have all day.  She loved showing off her flock and sharing her beloved donkey, Christmas, with everyone she met.  She was at her happiest on her family farm surrounded by family, friends and fury critters of all sorts.

No matter if you called her Mom, Sister, Nana or Mamma Mud, Carol impacted the lives of so many.  Her compassion, quirks, love, and selfless spirit live on in all those who knew and loved her. Carol’s faith and love of Jesus was the foundation of her life and it showed in the wonderful loving family she raised. The lives she touched are too countless to list, if you are among those lives touched by Carol you already know what a blessing she was.  Her spirit is now with our heavenly father and while our earthly world is now a bit darker the heavens are renewed and bursting with the joy and love of our precious Carol.  She was truly a blessing given to us of all.