Born November 19, 1936, Carol Rooze passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was a loving wife of 60 years, mother to two, and friend to many. A determined, passionate, and caring woman, Carol worked as a teacher in Massachusetts, Washington, and New Jersey. After taking time away from her career to raise her two children with her husband, Arthur, and to care for family, she returned to school to become a paralegal aide, a role she held until her retirement.

Carol grew up on a farm in Shelbyville, Michigan, surrounded by a close-knit and loving family that included two brothers and three sisters. She met Arthur Rooze in Washington state, where they were both teaching. They married and moved to Glen Rock, New Jersey, to start their family, raising their beloved children, Michael and Meredith, before later moving to Minnesota.

Carol deeply cherished her friends and family. After retiring with Art to Colorado, she pursued many of her favorite activities, including biking, hiking, yoga, gardening, reading, sewing, and traveling with Art. Both Carol and Art were deeply involved in their local churches and congregations,  Over the past 20 years, Plymouth UCC has been their cornerstone, and they cherished being a part of the community and fellowship. Carol especially enjoyed participating in their Celtic group, FOG (Fellowship of the Grape), and Sunday education classes.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Ida Gebben; her brothers, Alan and Wendell; her sister, Audrey (VanEerden); her husband, Arthur; and her son, Michael. She is survived by her daughter, Meredith Meyering, and Meredith’s husband, Jay; her daughter-in-law, Karen Rooze; and her three grandchildren, Noah Rooze, Audrey Meyering, and Trevor Meyering. She is also survived by her sisters, Noreen (Reitsma) and Rae (Verhoef).

A private memorial service will take place on Saturday, February 21, at Plymouth UCC.