Carol Kent

Carol graduated from Mansfield Senior High in 1954. She was an equestrian enthusiast throughout her life. Carol’s love of horses, especially American Saddlebred was surpassed only by her love of her family. Carol married Wayne “Bud” Kent in 1956. She was a devoted member of the First Congregational Church of Mansfield and a long-time member of Westbrook Country Club.

In addition to her two favorite hobbies of horses and interior decorating, she also enjoyed gardening and golfing. An active member of the American Saddlebred Horse Association and American Horse Show Association, Carol was well known for her ability to train and show American Saddlebred horses. A famous horseman once remarked “When Carol Kent puts her foot in the stirrup, she was always a winner”. Carol and her family have been long-time business owners of Swan Cleaners which was founded by her father in 1929.

As a lifelong member of the Mansfield community, Carol will be remembered by her many friends for her love of horses and sports, loyalty to friends and devotion to her family.

Carol is survived by her husband, Bud; daughter Judie “Kent” and Robert Housel of Sylvania, Ohio; son, Jeff (Stephanie) Kent of Mansfield; and five grandchildren, Courtney Kent, Kassie Kent, Nicole Kent, all of Mansfield, Sean Housel of Lakewood, OH and Patrick (Melissa) Housel of Morristown, NJ; and a great-granddaughter, Avery Housel of Morristown, NJ. Carol is also survived by her sister, Judy Schwan Whitney (Don) Harris of Bardstown, KY along with an extended family including brothers-in-law, Richard (Nancy) Kent of Galion, OH and Larry Kent of Michigan; numerous nieces and nephews; and her mother, Marilou Burgess Schwan of Mansfield. She was preceded in death by her father, Gordon A. Schwan in 1976.

Friends may visit from 3-7 p.m. Monday, February 6, 2012 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. A memorial service will be held Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. in the First Congregational Church, 640 Millsboro Rd. with Rev. David Root officiating. Interment will be in the First Congregational Church Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to the Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center, 569 S. Trimble Road, Mansfield, OH 44906. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff at Winchester Terrace Nursing Home and Dr. Burwell’s office for their compassionate care given to Carol.