Carol Ann Hinkhouse Welch passed away peacefully on April 23, 2025. She was 81 years old.

Carol was a woman of strength, kindness, and unwavering devotion to God, her family, and friends. She spent most of her life nurturing the people around her, always offering a helping hand and a warm embrace. Her gentle spirit, sharp wit, and generous heart left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

Carol Ann Hinkhouse was born on May 8, 1943, in Kingsley, Iowa to Rudy and Hertha Rock Hinkhouse. She graduated from Correctionville High School with the class of 1961. After graduation she moved to Des Moines, Iowa and graduated from AIB College of Business in 1962. She moved back to Northwest Iowa and began working at Blue Cross Blue Shield in Sioux City, Iowa. Carol retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield as a Membership Department Supervisor to become a stay-at-home mom and full time Avon Representative in 1981. She was very passionate about selling Avon and received many awards, namely top sales in her district, President's Club, and Honor Society. She sold Avon for over 50 years.

Carol married her one true love, Clayton Welch on June 15, 1974, in rural Correctionville, Iowa. To this union, a daughter, Lisa Ann, was born. Carol was very proud to be Lisa's mom. She enjoyed helping with all the activities Lisa was involved in throughout her life.

Carol's heart was always full when she was surrounded by her family. She cherished every moment spent with those she loved whether related by blood or through friendship. Her happiest times were spent sharing laughter, stories, playing cards, and making memories. Carol's love for family knew no bounds, and her presence made every gathering brighter. Her love for family will live on in the traditions, stories, and bonds she created.

Above all, Carol's faith in God and her love for her Savior, Jesus Christ, were the cornerstones of her life. She spent many years as a Sunday School teacher, Luther League sponsor, WELCA member and officer, and Brule Creek Church Treasurer. She found strength, peace, and joy in her relationship with God, and her faith guided everything she did. She was always saying, "I don't have a big problem, I have a big God."

Carol's love, kindness, and devotion to both her family and her faith will forever be cherished. Her legacy will continue to live on through the lives she touched and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who loved her. We take comfort in knowing she is at peace and reunited with loved ones who went before her.

Carol is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Lisa and Dave Hodgson of Alcester, SD; granddaughter Emma Hodgson and her fiancé Kaleb Buller of Rapid City, SD; great-grandson Levi Hodgson of Rapid City, SD; brother Tim Hinkhouse of Bassett, NE; brother Richard (Peggy) Hinkhouse of Cherokee, IA; brother-in-law Tom Bray of Largo, FL; Nephews: Hannibal (Nicole) Bray of Washington, D.C., Aaron Bray of Largo, FL, Heath (Kim) Hinkhouse of Urbandale, IA, Sam Hinkhouse of Cherokee, IA; Nieces: Heather Hinkhouse Hill of Goose Creek, SC, Holly (Paul) Garcia of West Des Moines, IA, Mikki (Colton) Younie of Cherokee, IA; great nieces and nephews: Atticus, Holden, & Georgette Bray of Washington, D.C., Taylor Hinkhouse of Ames, IA, Kayton Hinkhouse of Paris, France, Alex Hill of Columbia, SC, Will Hill of Goose Creek, SC, Lucy Garcia of West Des Moines, IA, Caleb Younie of Cherokee, IA; and many extended family members and friends.

Carol is preceded in death by her husband, Clayton Welch; parents Rudy & Hertha Hinkhouse; parents-in-law Orville & Hilda Welch; sisters Jane Prueher, Georga Bray, Berni Boykin; brothers-in-law Orris Welch, Lee Prueher, and Gary Boykin. She will also be helping to welcome her great nephew Gabriel Leo Younie to Heaven.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Brule Creek Lutheran Church, rural Elk Point, SD with a luncheon and celebration of Carol's life at Morningside Event Center in Alcester following the burial service. Visitation will be held from 4-7pm Monday, April 28, 2025 at Wass Funeral Chapel in Alcester with a 7pm prayer service.