Visitation Information

Carol A Ashenbrener

Passed away on May 17, 2026

Carol A. Ashenbrener, age 91 of Schererville IN, formerly of South Chicago, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 17th, surrounded by the love of her family.

Beloved wife of the late Steve M. Ashenbrener. Loving mother of the late Jeffery Ashenbrener. Loving mother of Steve (Pauline) Ashenbrener and Christine (Tim) Reidelbach. Devoted grandma of Emily and Elaina Ashenbrener and Joshua and Matthew Reidelbach. Proud Aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Dear sister of Sharon (Randy) Nichols of Arizona and the late Donna (Gary) Bell of Colorado.

Carol was born January 26, 1935, in Chicago, IL to Frederick Irving Smith and Marie Josephine Janousek Smith.

Carol met her husband Steve on a blind date and got married on October 8, 1955 and were married for 55 years.

She worked at Calumet Fisheries on the south side of Chicago for over 20 years and later at Marshall Fields in her later years. She formed many friendships and touched the lives of everyone she met.

Nothing brought Carol greater happiness than spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She greatly enjoyed her cards and Scrabble games with her family and friends, Hallmark movies, and two Bunco clubs where she shared many laughs and friendships and wonderful memories over the years.

Carol will be remembered for her kindness, hospitality, sweetness, and the love she freely gave to her family and friends. She will be deeply missed, and her legacy of love and devotion will continue through the family and friends whose lives she touched.

Visitation Thursday, May 21, 2026 from 3:00 – 8:00 pm at the Elmwood Funeral Chapel.  Funeral Services Friday, May 22, 2026 at 10:30 am at the Elmwood Funeral Chapel 11300 W. 97th LN. (1/2 block west of US 41/Wicker Ave. at 97th LN.) St. John.  Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association http://alz.org.  For more information 219-365-3474