Carol Highbaugh, 86, of Elkhart, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

She was born on October 12, 1940, in Cleveland, OH to the late William and Laura (Harter) Varner Sr. Carol was preceded in death by a daughter, Debi Slone, her life partner of 47 ½ years, Charles R. “Bob” Fay, four sisters and two brothers.

Carol retired from CTS where she worked in many departments, including the plating room and operating a punch press. She enjoyed sewing, traveling, arts and crafts and going to bazaars.

Surviving are two daughters, April Marquez and Tina Schroeder, both of Elkhart; two sons, Kenneth Highbaugh of Elkhart and Dempsey “Tuck” Highbaugh of Jones, MI; twelve grandchildren, thirty great grandchildren and twelve great great grandchildren.

Visitation for Carol will be held from 5 pm-7 pm on Monday, October 19, 2026, and from 10 am until the hour of the service at 11 am on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, all at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home. The Rev. Keith McFarren will officiate and burial will be at Prairie Street Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of Carol may be made to Riley Children’s Hospital or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.