Carole Eddy's Obituary
Carole Large Eddy, 93, of Centerville, Iowa, passed away on March 29, 2026. She was born on June 18, 1932, to Robert Large Sr. and Velma (Stevens) Large.
Carole was lovingly raised by her grandmother, Maggie (Points) Fuller, who played a central role in her upbringing and life.
On September 3, 1947, Carole married John Merritt Eddy, beginning a devoted partnership that lasted an extraordinary 78 years, until John's passing on February 9, 2026. Together, they built a life in the home they purchased the year they were married, remaining there side by side throughout their lives.
Early in her marriage, Carole worked at the Baxter Box Factory and later as a waitress at the Saddlerock Café. She also held a Class A CDL and drove over-the-road trucks alongside her husband. At home, Carole found joy in sewing, embroidery, jewelry making, restoring camper trailers, and collecting dolls and vintage jewelry.
Carole embraced life with energy and adventure. She enjoyed riding motorcycles, driving coupe race cars, and traveling in restored campers. She and John spent many winters in Texas and camped at the Iowa State Fair for 59 consecutive years. She was also a familiar and cherished presence at the Moravia Methodist Holiday Bazaar for 40 years. Known for her signature style, Carole never left home without her hair and makeup done, always topped off with her distinctive hat.
She is survived by her children: Kathleen Van Dale, Linda Ballanger, and Judith (Bill) Topp; her grandchildren: Eli Shelter, Tabbatha Shelter, Rachel Shelter, Candice Potter, Cindy Potter, Justin (Carrie) Ballanger, Amber (Jon) Van Zante, Amanda Ballanger, Lacy (Brett) Nickel, and Jonathon "Jon-O" Mullins; along with many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her nieces Penny Moorman and Diane Large; her nephew Terry Large; and her sons-in-law Mike Mullins, Jack Ballanger, and Howard Van Dale.
Carole was preceded in death by her husband, John Eddy; her parents, Robert Large Sr. and Velma (Stevens) Large; her beloved grandmother, Maggie Fuller; her sister, Shirley (Large) Moorman; her brothers, Jerry Large, Donnie Large, and Robert Large Jr.; her son, Johnny Eddy; her daughter, Susie (Harris) Eddy; her nieces, Nancy (Skibbe) Moorman and Carolyn Moorman; and her nephew, Robert Moorman.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 16, 2026, at the Methodist Church in Moravia, Iowa. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. A dinner will follow in the fellowship hall. Burial will be held at Numa Cemetery. Memorials may be written to Judith Topp, to be designated at a later date, and mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Eddy Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome .
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