Carol was born in Springfield on June 19, 1933, the daughter of Mark J. and Frances E. (Dodds) Bartlett. She married Bobby G. Chilton on June 14, 1952, in Springfield.
Carol was a 1951 graduate of Lanphier High School. Following graduation, she worked three years as a stenographer in Springfield. In 1954, the Army assigned Bobby to Fort Hood near Temple, TX. Carol joined him later in 1954 and worked for the Veterans Administration Hospital until he was discharged in 1956. Upon returning home to Springfield, she worked for the Internal Revenue Service for two years. Carol and Bobby then moved to Milwaukee, WI, where he finished his degree in 1960. She worked for the Social Security Administration while there. After her varied career, Carol enjoyed being a homemaker and raising her three children until they started school. She was then involved in various home party planning businesses, selling jewelry, toys, and gifts.
She was active in church and community affairs wherever she lived, especially in Pawnee, IL, and West Palm Beach, FL. Carol was a member of Real Life Church.
Carol was a people person and she considered her friends as “treasures”. Family was always very special to her. She loved flowers and enjoyed gardening. Carol loved to write, travel, and read. She loved watching birds and all things of nature. Her beloved Bichon Frise dogs were such a joy!
She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Barbara Meinholdt; brothers, Mark G. “Jerry” Bartlett and Kenneth W. “Mooser” Bartlett; beloved grandmother, Nettie M. Dodds; her beloved dog, Kadi Jo; and many dear friends and relatives.
Carol is survived by her husband, Bobby; two sons, Douglas (Terrye) Chilton of Stuart, FL, and Brian (Titia) Chilton of Port St. Lucie, FL; three sisters, Kay Nichols of Springfield, Joyce Reynolds of Pawnee, and Diane (Glenn) Manning of Rochester; sister-in-law, Linda (Lee) Williams of Springfield; step grandchildren, Kara, Nakia, and Dorian Taylor; three step great-grandchildren; special friends, Avis Madel of Canada, Darlene Robison of Florida, Mary Fulgenzi of Springfield, and Margaret Shoemaker of Arkansas; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.
Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home- Springfield with Pastor Clint Cook officiating.
Burial will follow at Cumberland Sugar Creek Cemetery in Glenarm.
Memorial contributions may be made to Real Life Church, 2450 Taylor Ave., Springfield, IL or Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL.
