Carol Jean McCabe

Carol was born on December 11, 1929, to Harvey Hasty and Ada Gray. She was united in marriage to Robert “Red” Lee Vetter, on March 21, 1951, and together they built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and devotion to family. Later in life, Carol married Keith McCabe.

Carol’s life was a beautiful testament to service and love. After working at Dels Dairy—where she met Robert—she devoted many years to being a homemaker, lovingly raising their four children. Carol and Robert later moved to Kampsville, Illinois, where they owned and operated Bob and Carol’s Circle Inn. Despite enduring repeated floods from the Illinois River, Carol remained resilient and steadfast. After nine years of ownership and a state overhaul of the area, they returned to Pekin, Illinois, where they operated Southtown Liquor. Carol later continued her calling of caring for others as a caretaker at Marigold Estates.

Carol found joy in the simple blessings of life. She loved sewing, quilting, and painting, always keeping several projects in progress. Many of her handcrafted creations were gifted to family and friends as tangible expressions of her love. She deeply cherished her family and friends and treasured every moment spent with them.

Carol has left a legacy of lifelong stories. She endured hardships that would break many, yet she remained strong, compassionate, and selfless. She was always caring for someone, and in the hearts of so many, she was truly “Grandma” to everyone.

Carol is survived by her sons, David L. (Kathy) Vetter of Pekin, Illinois, and Roger A. (Janet) Vetter of Griggsville, Illinois; twelve grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; nineteen great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Donna Mitchell of Pekin, Illinois; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Vetter; her husband, Keith McCabe; her daughter, Connie K. Phillips; her son, Dan M. Vetter; her parents; three brothers; and three sisters.

Carol’s family finds comfort in knowing she has been reunited in heaven with those who have gone before her and now rests in the promise of eternal life through Christ.

Her funeral Mass will be held at 11 am on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. Father Michael Andrejek will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Pekin. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Loft in Eureka, Illinois, for their compassionate care and kindness shown to Carol.

Memorial donations may be made in Carol’s honor to the Heart of Illinois Down Syndrome Association (HOIDSA), 325 E. Queenwood Rd., Morton, Illinois 61550.

To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com.