Carol
Carol H. Meles
Carol passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at her home in Plainwell.
She was born November 15, 1931 in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Thomas and Helen (Byland) Fishleigh. Graduating in l949 from Grand Rapids South High, Carol went on to earn her nursing degree from Chicago Presbyterian Hospital.
Her marriage to Robert Meles on September 12, 1959 brought the blessing and challenge of raising 3 young children and a new career with Bob’s Hardware, all embraced with devotion and enthusiasm. Carol loved life and most especially when in the company of her family and friends.
She enjoyed following Michigan sports teams, traveling, sailing and giving of her time to others. Marco Island held a special spot in Carol’s heart and she spent many happy retirement years in her Florida home.
A dedicated member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood for 62 years, she was proud to organize Chapter ED, Otsego in 1980. She held dual membership in the Otsego Congregational Church and the United Church of Marco Island and was a member of the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club.
Surviving are her children, Catherine (Martin) Hill, James Meles, and Bruce (Connie) Meles; grandchildren, Dan (Ashley) Hill, Katy (Kevin) Cox, Jon (Leslie) Hill, Aaron (Kim) Meles, and Nathan Meles and 11 great-grandchildren. A niece, Michelle Barsamian, also survives.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 38 years, and her brother John Fishleigh.
Friends may visit with Carol’s family starting 9:30 A.M., Friday, August 2, 2019 at the First Congregational Church of Otsego until the time of the memorial service starting at 10:30 A.M., with Carol’s family officiating.
Please join the family for lunch following the service.
According to her wishes, cremation will take place and burial will occur at a later time at Mountain Home Cemetery, Otsego.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church of Otsego or The United Church of Marco Island, Florida.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Offer Condolence for the family of Carol H. Meles
Condolence Messages
Tammy Lutes
July 24, 2019 at 7:59 pm
Sending my sincere condolences to Bruce Meles and the rest of the family! I just stumbled across Carol’s Obituary by accident today and wanted to acknowledge her passing. I didn’t know her well and only met her a few times but I recall her being a very congenial person. I’m very sorry for your loss!
Reply
Bob and Tammy Bailey
July 24, 2019 at 8:35 pm
Our sincere condolences to the entire Meles family. No one can ever bring the same love to the table as a mother and I know that you will miss her terribly. I hope the memories you share of her will sustain you with joy!
Reply
Shelley Fuhrman
July 24, 2019 at 9:26 pm
I am so sad to hear of Mrs.Meles passing. Sending Prayers for the family.
Reply
Romilda Goswick
July 25, 2019 at 6:52 am
I will miss her terribly. She was an angel here on earth. May the Lord bless you and keep you in his loving arms during your time of sorrow.
Reply
Donna Dallmann
July 25, 2019 at 8:48 am
My deepest sympathy to Carol’s family. She and Bob first met my parents on Marco Island in 1993 and had been great friends since. Through my parents, I became friends with them and especially Carol after Bob passed. I was just texting with her monday. I am so very sad. I was looking forward to seeing her back here in september. She was a great lady, very caring and a great friend. She will be missed.
Reply
Mrs. Jim (Patti) Hewitt
July 25, 2019 at 9:47 am
I too came across Carol’s obituary by accident. Sorry to learn of her passing. First met her in the fellowship room of the First Congregational church following a funeral service. She was busy jumping up getting coffee for people. Like the energizer bunny! Sorry to learn of your loss. Carol was so active and I remember her happily riding her bicycle with her helmet worn.
Reply
Lorna Sisson
July 25, 2019 at 4:57 pm
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Losing our mom’s is such a difficult time. I don’t think I ever saw her within a smile on her face and that smile was a light to all she met.
May God hold you all in the palm of His hand and give you the peace that only He can provide.
In Christ’s love
Craig and Lorna
Reply
Ken and Toni Coburn
July 25, 2019 at 10:19 pm
Jim and Bruce, I am sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
I know we have another angel watching over us forever.
Reply
Bob and Loree Bagley
July 26, 2019 at 6:03 am
God’s peace and strength to the family.
Reply
Fred And Sue Bosma
July 27, 2019 at 12:38 pm
We are so sorry to hear of Carol’s passing! We always knew that our friendship was important to Carol by the notes at Christmas and her hugs and kind words when we saw her. She will be missed by many, most especially her dear family that she adored. we send our love, comfort and prayers for the whole Meles Family, love Fred & Sue Bosma
Reply
Georgia and Roger Newman
July 27, 2019 at 1:00 pm
Optimistic, cheerful and fun-loving, I have many happy memories of spending time in Carol’s presence when I was an active PEO, and when we were both working in our businesses across the street from each other in Otsego. Never have been able to ‘recycle’ any of the kind cards and letters received from Carol over the years. They still make me smile. Even her handwriting was filled with her enthusiasm and energy. Roger and I send sincere condolences to Cathy, Jim and Bruce and your families.
Reply
Karen Boardman
July 28, 2019 at 7:07 pm
We were saddened to hear about Carol. She was a very special person that always had a smile and kind words. We will always remember her enthusiasm for any activity. She will be missed by many especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Thoughts and John prayers for the family at this difficult time.
John and Karen Boardman
Reply
Dave McMurray
July 29, 2019 at 8:19 am
Jim and Family:
So sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to all of you. I know she will be missed. Dave
Reply
Colleen Holloway
July 29, 2019 at 10:37 am
Bruce and Jim – – my thoughts and condolences are with you. I always enjoyed and looked forward to Carol’s company at the True Value conventions and at the store parties. She was so full of energy and a personality to fill the room – her spirit and laughter will be missed but she is in so many hearts every day —
Reply
Jim and Bishop
July 29, 2019 at 11:56 am
We are saddened to learn of Carol’s passing. At the same time we celebrate a life well lived.
Reply
Donna Asma
July 30, 2019 at 3:53 pm
Dear Cathy,
My sincere sympathy to you and your family. Brings back fond memories of Marco Island!
Donna Asma
Reply
Lyn Engelhardt
July 31, 2019 at 3:23 pm
Aunt Carol was loved dearly by her Wisconsin family, we loved her laughter, witty ways and genuine smiles! We are saddened by her passing, we will miss talking with her. She loved her brother John Fishleigh (our step Dad) and visited him in Oconomowoc, WI. yearly until his passing in 2017. We looked forward to those special times with Aunt Carol! Dinner and a cocktail!! Lori and Dave were blessed to spend time with her in Marco Island this past March.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences and sympathy at the loss of this great lady, she was truly one of a kind. She will be greatly missed!
The Engelhardt family:
Bob, Lyn, Valarie, Bob, Lori, Dave
Don, Lin, Dawn, David, Pam, Ryan, Don
Jerry, Kris, Michelle, Brad, Jennifer and Scott
Reply
Gary & Barb Rhoades
August 5, 2019 at 6:27 pm
Carol was an amazing lady…kind, loving, enthusiastic, energetic, giving, and gracious! She could light up a room with her smile. Her calendar was always full. She never let any grass grow under her feet. We first met Carol almost 50 years ago, when we moved in a few houses down from her on Howard Street in Otsego. Of course, she welcomed us with some homemade goodies. She is the reason I became a P.E.O. 40 years ago. She was not only a dear friend, but my loving P.E.O. sister and has had a big impact on my life. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. We celebrate her, well lived life, and the beautiful legacy she left behind. We love you, Carol!
Reply
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She was born November 15, 1931 in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Thomas and Helen (Byland) Fishleigh. Graduating in l949 from Grand Rapids South High, Carol went on to earn her nursing degree from Chicago Presbyterian Hospital.
Her marriage to Robert Meles on September 12, 1959 brought the blessing and challenge of raising 3 young children and a new career with Bob’s Hardware, all embraced with devotion and enthusiasm. Carol loved life and most especially when in the company of her family and friends.
She enjoyed following Michigan sports teams, traveling, sailing and giving of her time to others. Marco Island held a special spot in Carol’s heart and she spent many happy retirement years in her Florida home.
A dedicated member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood for 62 years, she was proud to organize Chapter ED, Otsego in 1980. She held dual membership in the Otsego Congregational Church and the United Church of Marco Island and was a member of the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club.
Surviving are her children, Catherine (Martin) Hill, James Meles, and Bruce (Connie) Meles; grandchildren, Dan (Ashley) Hill, Katy (Kevin) Cox, Jon (Leslie) Hill, Aaron (Kim) Meles, and Nathan Meles and 11 great-grandchildren. A niece, Michelle Barsamian, also survives.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 38 years, and her brother John Fishleigh.
Friends may visit with Carol’s family starting 9:30 A.M., Friday, August 2, 2019 at the First Congregational Church of Otsego until the time of the memorial service starting at 10:30 A.M., with Carol’s family officiating.
Please join the family for lunch following the service.
According to her wishes, cremation will take place and burial will occur at a later time at Mountain Home Cemetery, Otsego.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church of Otsego or The United Church of Marco Island, Florida.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Offer Condolence for the family of Carol H. Meles
Condolence Messages
Tammy Lutes
July 24, 2019 at 7:59 pm
Sending my sincere condolences to Bruce Meles and the rest of the family! I just stumbled across Carol’s Obituary by accident today and wanted to acknowledge her passing. I didn’t know her well and only met her a few times but I recall her being a very congenial person. I’m very sorry for your loss!
Reply
Bob and Tammy Bailey
July 24, 2019 at 8:35 pm
Our sincere condolences to the entire Meles family. No one can ever bring the same love to the table as a mother and I know that you will miss her terribly. I hope the memories you share of her will sustain you with joy!
Reply
Shelley Fuhrman
July 24, 2019 at 9:26 pm
I am so sad to hear of Mrs.Meles passing. Sending Prayers for the family.
Reply
Romilda Goswick
July 25, 2019 at 6:52 am
I will miss her terribly. She was an angel here on earth. May the Lord bless you and keep you in his loving arms during your time of sorrow.
Reply
Donna Dallmann
July 25, 2019 at 8:48 am
My deepest sympathy to Carol’s family. She and Bob first met my parents on Marco Island in 1993 and had been great friends since. Through my parents, I became friends with them and especially Carol after Bob passed. I was just texting with her monday. I am so very sad. I was looking forward to seeing her back here in september. She was a great lady, very caring and a great friend. She will be missed.
Reply
Mrs. Jim (Patti) Hewitt
July 25, 2019 at 9:47 am
I too came across Carol’s obituary by accident. Sorry to learn of her passing. First met her in the fellowship room of the First Congregational church following a funeral service. She was busy jumping up getting coffee for people. Like the energizer bunny! Sorry to learn of your loss. Carol was so active and I remember her happily riding her bicycle with her helmet worn.
Reply
Lorna Sisson
July 25, 2019 at 4:57 pm
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Losing our mom’s is such a difficult time. I don’t think I ever saw her within a smile on her face and that smile was a light to all she met.
May God hold you all in the palm of His hand and give you the peace that only He can provide.
In Christ’s love
Craig and Lorna
Reply
Ken and Toni Coburn
July 25, 2019 at 10:19 pm
Jim and Bruce, I am sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
I know we have another angel watching over us forever.
Reply
Bob and Loree Bagley
July 26, 2019 at 6:03 am
God’s peace and strength to the family.
Reply
Fred And Sue Bosma
July 27, 2019 at 12:38 pm
We are so sorry to hear of Carol’s passing! We always knew that our friendship was important to Carol by the notes at Christmas and her hugs and kind words when we saw her. She will be missed by many, most especially her dear family that she adored. we send our love, comfort and prayers for the whole Meles Family, love Fred & Sue Bosma
Reply
Georgia and Roger Newman
July 27, 2019 at 1:00 pm
Optimistic, cheerful and fun-loving, I have many happy memories of spending time in Carol’s presence when I was an active PEO, and when we were both working in our businesses across the street from each other in Otsego. Never have been able to ‘recycle’ any of the kind cards and letters received from Carol over the years. They still make me smile. Even her handwriting was filled with her enthusiasm and energy. Roger and I send sincere condolences to Cathy, Jim and Bruce and your families.
Reply
Karen Boardman
July 28, 2019 at 7:07 pm
We were saddened to hear about Carol. She was a very special person that always had a smile and kind words. We will always remember her enthusiasm for any activity. She will be missed by many especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Thoughts and John prayers for the family at this difficult time.
John and Karen Boardman
Reply
Dave McMurray
July 29, 2019 at 8:19 am
Jim and Family:
So sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to all of you. I know she will be missed. Dave
Reply
Colleen Holloway
July 29, 2019 at 10:37 am
Bruce and Jim – – my thoughts and condolences are with you. I always enjoyed and looked forward to Carol’s company at the True Value conventions and at the store parties. She was so full of energy and a personality to fill the room – her spirit and laughter will be missed but she is in so many hearts every day —
Reply
Jim and Bishop
July 29, 2019 at 11:56 am
We are saddened to learn of Carol’s passing. At the same time we celebrate a life well lived.
Reply
Donna Asma
July 30, 2019 at 3:53 pm
Dear Cathy,
My sincere sympathy to you and your family. Brings back fond memories of Marco Island!
Donna Asma
Reply
Lyn Engelhardt
July 31, 2019 at 3:23 pm
Aunt Carol was loved dearly by her Wisconsin family, we loved her laughter, witty ways and genuine smiles! We are saddened by her passing, we will miss talking with her. She loved her brother John Fishleigh (our step Dad) and visited him in Oconomowoc, WI. yearly until his passing in 2017. We looked forward to those special times with Aunt Carol! Dinner and a cocktail!! Lori and Dave were blessed to spend time with her in Marco Island this past March.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences and sympathy at the loss of this great lady, she was truly one of a kind. She will be greatly missed!
The Engelhardt family:
Bob, Lyn, Valarie, Bob, Lori, Dave
Don, Lin, Dawn, David, Pam, Ryan, Don
Jerry, Kris, Michelle, Brad, Jennifer and Scott
Reply
Gary & Barb Rhoades
August 5, 2019 at 6:27 pm
Carol was an amazing lady…kind, loving, enthusiastic, energetic, giving, and gracious! She could light up a room with her smile. Her calendar was always full. She never let any grass grow under her feet. We first met Carol almost 50 years ago, when we moved in a few houses down from her on Howard Street in Otsego. Of course, she welcomed us with some homemade goodies. She is the reason I became a P.E.O. 40 years ago. She was not only a dear friend, but my loving P.E.O. sister and has had a big impact on my life. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. We celebrate her, well lived life, and the beautiful legacy she left behind. We love you, Carol!
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
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