Carol L VanZile

Carol Lee Niklaus VanZile, age 77 passed away February 8th, 2024 surrounded by her family and loved ones. Carol was born August 17, 1946, in Williamsport, Pa. The daughter of the late Charlotte Leona (Rolley) and Walter Niklaus. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, LaRue, on July 7, 2023 and her siblings Ronald "Skip" Wayne (Mary Norton), Joanne (Edgar) Smith, Wilfred Rolley (Kay Brennan).

Carol is survived by her beloved sons Matthew D. (Jamie) VanZile, Andrew A. VanZile and her dear sister Margaret "Peggy" Lucille (Dale) Smith. Also surviving Carol are nieces and nephews: Anne-Marie (Tony) Niklaus Tometz and David Niklaus, Tanya Lynne and Jeffrey (Lisa) Smith, R. Craig (Maureen) and Michael Niklaus, Debi (Seth) Burch and Susan (Craig) Frishmann and all of their children, and her much loved grandchildren, Sgt. Nicole (Oscar) VanZile Martinez, Ashley VanZile , James Gibbs and Jenna VanZile.

Carol graduated from St. Joseph Parochial School in 1964, Kutztown (State College) University in 1970, St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing in 1985.

Carol was the Itinerant elementary Art Teacher for Troy Area School District from 1970 to 1974. That is where she met and married her husband, LaRue. She and her husband moved to Richmond, VA. for his job with the VA State Water Control Board and where their first son, Matthew was born. They then moved to Lancaster, PA. where he was head of the Lancaster Water and Sewer facilities and also where they greeted their second son, Andrew. Carol changed careers and went to nursing school to become an R.N. After 10 yrs in Lancaster they moved to Williamsport, PA. where they lived for 25 yrs., working in their specific careers, and raising their sons.

Carol was a horse 'fanatic' all her life. She and her family were finally able to have horses while they lived in Williamsport and when they settled in their retirement home in Tioga County. Carol's other interests were hunting with her whole family including the grandkids. She also enjoyed fishing, even as a child. She loved gardening and canning and freezing the produce. Carol was also an avid reader.

Carol was a member of the first 4-H Horse & Pony club in Lycoming county, Legani Hanne. She also belonged to the Tiadaghton Trail Riders. Carol was also a member of the Tiadaghton Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, of which her husband was co-founder. She was also a member of the National Rifle Association. Until physically unable, Carol was a member of the Heritage Garden Club of Troy. She was a patron of many animal support groups but chose to support locally.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday February 16th, 2024 at St. Michael's Church, 107 N. Washington St. Canton, PA. The family will greet friends from 11 to 12 PM, Funeral Mass to begin at 12 PM. Following the conclusion of services, interment will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Troy, PA, where Carol will be buried alongside her husband of over 50+ years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Allen F. Pierce Free Library, 34 Fenner St., Troy, PA. 16947, or the Animal Rescue Groups of your choice. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Gerald W. Vickery Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. 1093 W. Main Street, Troy, PA 16947

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