Carrie Beebe Vacolas

Carrie Beebe Vacolas, 61, a longtime resident of Johnstown, passed away on March 1, 2022, after a bout with cancer. She was born Oct 20, 1960, in Lima, Ohio to Charlotte Beebe, who preceded her in death. Carrie is survived by her husband, Steven N. Vacolas, her uncle Dan Beebe and cousins Craig and Duane Beebe. Carrie, a graduate of The Ohio State University, was a strong, confident, and determined woman. Driven to succeed, she worked hard to eventually turn her incredible passion for horses into a full-time career. Carrie shared this devotion to the industry with others as a professional trainer, riding instructor, and breeder. Some of her happiest moments were spent galloping one of her magnificent horses and jumping over fences on a cross-country course, poised in a proud salute at the end of a dressage test, or delivering a new foal into the world. As a competitor, her accomplishments are too numerous to list. Throughout her career, she served as a fence judge on the cross-country courses of the ‘84 Los Angeles and ‘96 Atlanta Olympics, as well as numerous Rolex Eventing competitions at the Kentucky Horse Park. A long-time dream came true when Carrie and Steve built an indoor equine riding & boarding facility on their property. Carrie leaves behind a legacy in the hearts and memories of many. She was fiercely loyal to her friends. Her riding students and training clients have numerous ribbons and success stories. The offspring from her breeding program as well as the horses that she trained have been ridden, loved, shown, and enjoyed by people around the country. The lives of all who knew her were undoubtedly impacted for the better by Carrie. While enjoying her life on the farm with Steve and the horses, Carrie was also passionate about the Sci-Fi genre, including a love for Star Wars and Star Trek. She would welcome the opportunity to discuss and debate UFOs and the theories and possibilities presented in her favorite show, Ancient Aliens. Family and friends will gather on Friday, March 11, 2022, from 10 am until 12 Noon at the Crouse-Kauber-Fraley Funeral Home at 225 North Main Street in Johnstown, Ohio. A service celebrating Carrie’s life will begin at 12 Noon. Burial will follow at the Green Hill Cemetery on State Route 37.