Edelstein — On February 15th, Carol Bridgman Routh broke free from Alzheimer’s hold and joined Heaven’s chorus. Carol was born at home in rural Blue Ridge on December 22, 1938, to James Bridgman and Maxine Williams Zapf. In 1947 she joyfully welcomed Edward Zapf as her father when he wed her mother. She married Orlyn Routh on March 30, 1957 at Blue Ridge Church in rural Edelstein. He preceded her in death on August 30, 2015. She was also predeceased by 3 yr. old sister, Joan.

She is survived by their children, Deb (Mike) Snyder of Edelstein, Rich (Debbie) Routh of Colorado, Gloria (Terry) Giosta of Varna, and Ron (Anita) Routh of Edelstein; 10 grandchildren, Bryce (Holly) Snyder, Sandy Snyder, Karen (Don) Strickler, Briana (Sam) Porter, Rachel, Tara, Andrea, and Erin Giosta, Dan (Kristina) Routh, and Kayla Routh; nine great-grandchildren, Nathan, Nora, and Logan Strickler, Alec, Phin, and Imogen Snyder, Grayson and Lukas Routh, and Micah Porter; a sister, Linda (Duncan) Lawrie of Colorado; and a brother, Lynn (Esther) Bridgman of California. 

Carol never met a stranger and loved children. She treated them all as if they were her own. She graduated from Chillicothe High School in 1956 and loved attending their reunions. She worked at Foster & Gallagher then retired from ALCOA in Princeville after many years. She kept busy with grandchildren and grand-animals in later years, along with some traveling to visit various family members.

A graveside service will be at Blue Ridge Cemetery in rural Edelstein at 8:30am on Saturday, April 8, 2023, with a Celebration of Life open house following at Blue Ridge Church until noon. 

The family would like to extend special thanks to her caregivers at Legacy and Serenity memory care along with Compassus Hospice for their loving attention as her memory and health faded.

Memorial contributions can be made to Blue Ridge Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or The Ark in Lacon. 

Haskell Funeral and Cremation Services in Princeville is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be left for Carol’s family on her tribute wall at www.haskellfuneral.com.