Carol Jean Upts (Harms), 85, of Washington, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, May 4, 2026.

Carol was born on August 11, 1940, to Ernest and Edna Harms (Barth).

Her family owned and farmed land. Carol was married to Ronald George Upts on November 23, 1958. They continued farming and raised their two children. He preceded her in death on March 20, 2021.

Carol is survived by her daughter Denise (Jamie) Enlow of Washington, with whom she made her home; her grandchildren Jared Enlow and Tyler (Shannon Wood) Enlow of Washington, and Lauren (Chris) Roderique of Dunwoody, Georgia. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Colby, Damian, and Devin, all of Dunwoody, Georgia. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Dale, her son Michel Upts, and her beloved dog and companion, Chief.

Carol's greatest pleasure was spending time with and helping raise her grandchildren, and later in life, her great-grandchildren. Carol's other interests included taking family trips to Branson, Missouri, where she loved attending music shows and shopping. She was also an avid ceramic artist. She loved painting pieces and giving them to loved ones, who affectionately called them "Carol's Creations".

Carol had a strong Christian faith and was raised in the church, where she also taught Sunday school. Later in life, she attended New Hope Church, where she enjoyed preparing baked goods for the congregation. While at New Hope, she made many new friends, including Pastor Rod and his wife, Jill Shertz, who became very special and close to her. Carol was deeply loved and will be dearly missed by her family and friends, though we know she is in God's hands now.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A private celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington has been entrusted with cremation arrangements.