Mrs. Carolyn Marie Rich, 81, of Willow Hill, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 3:22 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, Illinois. She was born December 18, 1943, in Willow Hill Township, Jasper County, the daughter of Harold Joseph Woodard and Marjorie Jane (Utley) Woodard.
Carolyn was a 1962 graduate of Newton High School and married the love of her life, John Oscar Rich, on March 11, 1962. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work.
Carolyn devoted her career to caring for others, working as a CNA at Newton Rest Haven in Newton and Ridgeview Care Center in Oblong. She later served as Deli Manager at Village Market on Main. She was a longtime member of the Willow Hill United Methodist Church, which later became Willow Hill Community Church.
Carolyn found joy in the simple, beautiful parts of life. She loved gardening—both flowers and vegetables—and cherished any time spent outdoors. Many of her happiest moments were shared on the porch with a cup of coffee in hand, enjoying the breeze and playing marbles with those she loved. Her family was her greatest pride, and she treasured every moment with them.
She is survived by her husband, John O. Rich of Willow Hill, Illinois; her children, Randy (Andrea) Rich of Oblong, Illinois, Lena (Wayne) Russell of Willow Hill, Illinois, and Cheryl (Roy) Christine of Flat Rock, Illinois; ten grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, James Dean Rich; her brother, Bernard Woodard; and her sisters, Mary Beals and Reta Booker.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Carolyn will be laid to rest in Shiloh Cemetery in Willow Hill, Illinois.
Honorariums may be made to Willow Hill Community Church, 202 West Main Street, Willow Hill, Illinois 62480, or may be mailed to Pulliam Funeral Home, 302 E. Main Street, P.O. Box 121, Oblong, Illinois 62449.
Pulliam Funeral Home in Oblong, Illinois, is in charge of arrangements.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carolyn, please visit our floral store.
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