Princeton - Carol Ann Gardlock Weitzel of Athens passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning of December 30, 2025 at Princeton Community Hospital. She was surrounded by loved ones.

Carol was born to the late Chester Augustus Gardlock and Marion McClintock Gardlock on December 15, 1937 in Oil City, PA, the second-oldest of four sisters. She was 88 years old.

Carol was beloved by all whose lives she touched. She was a pillar of the community and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt, sister, and friend. Her storytelling and charm lit up every room she walked into, and provided endless hours of joy and entertainment to others. She easily converted strangers into friends. She loved her family and friends deeply; nothing thrilled her more than receiving a visit, phone call, or letter from loved ones. As competitive as they come, she loved playing cards, and would not hesitate to peek at an opponent's hand to get an advantage, even if that opponent was her own grandchild! She enjoyed reading, fine décor, and watching all her favorite television programs. Possessing an elegant fashion sense, she couldn't bear to be seen looking anything less than her best. She was a devoted follower of Christ and a member of Johnston Chapel in Princeton. She lived in multiple cities and states from coast to coast, giving her many interesting life experiences.

As a young child, her family moved to Lorain, OH. Until the day she died, she could recall the names of all her classmates, teachers, and neighbors in Lorain, and remembered stories about each one. At age 18, she left home to see the country. She moved to Florida, where she built missiles at Electro-Mechanical Research in Sarasota and the Glenn L. Martin plant in Orlando. It was at the Martin plant that she met her husband Rod Weitzel in 1959. He was, "the smartest man she ever met." They were married for 55 years at the time of his passing.

Carol was instrumental to the operation and success of the family business, Fly By Nite Disposal Service, where she worked for many years. Carol was an avid supporter of local athletics. She especially enjoyed supporting her kids and grandkids, and would never miss a game or other milestone when she was still able-bodied.

In her later years, Carol cherished the bond she built with her mother-in-law Grace, and, later, the close relationships she developed with her devoted caregivers Cathy Stilwell and Fannie Ellis, and many neighborhood kids.

Whether it was in her role as sister, aunt, or cousin, she was "the favorite." She greatly missed her two younger sisters, Lois Hartsel and Elaine Skorvanick, who preceded her in death. She was very close to both. Carol often spoke of a recurring dream in which Elaine invited Carol to join her in heaven. That dream finally came true.

In addition to her husband, parents, and sisters, Carol was preceded in death by one child, Stephen Weitzel; one grandchild, Stephanie Daniels.

She is survived by two children: Danny Weitzel & wife Jeannie of Athens, Amanda Damewood & husband Andy of Gardner; one stepson: Terran Weitzel & wife Jessica of Houston, TX; ten grandchildren: Terry & Mark Weitzel, Vanessa Ryan, Jordan & Jason Weitzel, Stephen A., Tiffany & Tristan Weitzel, Gage & Drew Damewood; nine great-grandchildren; a sibling: Emma Good of Panama City, FL; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; countless friends. Friends may visit with the family Saturday, Jan. 3 from 5 to 7 pm at Memorial Funeral Directory on the Athens Road in Princeton, with a service officiated by Dr. John King and Pastor Dan Thyng to follow. Entombment will follow at 12 pm on Tuesday, Jan 6 at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. The grandsons will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate gifts made to the Rod & Carol Weitzel Memorial Scholarship fund at the Pikeview High School Foundation Inc., 3566 Eads Mill Road, Princeton, WV 24739.

Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.memorialfd.com.

The Weitzel family is being served by the Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton.