Carol Ann Brock

The journey of Carol (Baker) Brock ended on Sunday afternoon, February 1, 2026. A former resident of Toronto, Ohio, Union City, Indiana, Peru, Indiana, and Wabash, Indiana, she had resided in Naples, Florida, since 1991.

Mrs. Brock was born on February 26, 1939, the fifth of six children, to Harold R. and Winifred (Barcus) Baker at Steubenville, Ohio. After moving to Peru from Union City, Indiana, and graduating eighth in her class of 167, she attended the Indiana University Extension at Kokomo, Indiana. She later completed leadership development courses at Ball State University and human relations / supervision courses at Indiana / Purdue Extension at Fort Wayne, Indiana.

In her earlier years, Carol was a recognized competitive baton twirler in the Midwest and had studied with the current national champion at that time. She also taught group and individual lessons and routines in the nearby cities of Peru, Wabash, Kokomo, Logansport, and Marion for several years. She was first runner-up in the Junior Miss Indiana pageant two consecutive years and did fashion modeling for area department stores and specialty shops.

Her husband of 67 years, Terry, survives her as well as two sons and their wives, Derek (Pamela) and Devin (Paula). Also surviving are three grandchildren (Penny, Mitchell, and Samuel), two great grandsons (Jaidyn and Kendall), brothers Richard (Madonna) Baker of Illinois and William (Valerie) Baker of Indiana, sister Deborah (Gary) Downing of Indiana, sister-in-law Helen Hendricks of Michigan, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Carol is preceded in death by brother Robert (Mildred) Baker, sister Barbara (Donald) Grable, and brother-in-law Stanley Hendricks.

Carol was raised as a Methodist and later, briefly, a Presbyterian, and was also a deacon at her church. After moving to Naples, she attended four area churches with three denominations. Her personal relationship with her Lord was very important and a motivating factor in her life.

Mrs. Brock was co-owner, with her husband Terry, of Brock’s Music Center at Wabash for 18 years, which was formerly Emrick’s Music Store. She was a bookkeeper, salesperson, and did schedules for all of the store teachers and instrument repair personnel Earlier and later employment included the Indiana Bottled Gas Company of Peru. Spiece Sporting Goods, Farm Bureau North Central Co-op office, First National Bank, Miller Nursing Homes, and seven years with Wabash Public Schools. Other activities and interests included Wabash Home Healthcare advisory board, Business and Professional Women's Association, Tri-Kappa sorority, vocational school advisory committee, and hospital volunteer. She loved the school activities and events that her sons were involved in and missed very few. Carol was also president of the Mothers Club of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at Purdue University for one year. She also loved playing tennis with friends and neighbors, which continued in Naples.

After moving to Naples, her employment included the office of Dr. Todd Burmeister, ABC Pre-school and Children’s Development Center, and was a teacher's assistant for over seven years at Shadowlawn Elementary, which she was proud to be part of the “Shadowlawn Family.” She was also a substitute at Avalon and Lely Elementary schools for Collier County Schools before retiring in 2005.

Still wanting to work part-time, she passed the Florida Home Healthcare Assistant requirements and worked for the Glen Care Home Health facility at Naples for almost 10 years. Her middle names were “Energy” and “Perseverance.” Her life-long desire to be helpful and useful to anyone she met, her insight, and ability to simplify and solve issues and problems, earned her the respect and deserved reputation of being the matriarch of her family.

She very much enjoyed time that was spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She still loved playing tennis, rollerblading, and bicycling well into her 70’s, as well as a lot of walking. She also served three terms on the board of directors of her condominium association. Carol loved to socialize with family, friends and neighbors.

Carol volunteered and participated in some activities and fundraisers for Cancer Survivors, NAMI, (National Alliance for Mental Illness), and Saint Matthews House (facility for homeless and hungry). She will be remembered by those who knew her as a caring, helpful, loving, and forgiving, person who touched many lives, and one who made a difference.

There will be no memorial service. If one wishes to honor her memory with a contribution, one of her preferences is National Alliance on Mental Health, NAMI of Collier County, 6216 Trail Blvd., Naples, Florida, 34108, (239) 260-7300. Another would be St. Matthews House, 2001 Airport Road, Naples, Florida, 34112, (239) 774-0500. Condolences, memories, stories, etc., will be appreciated by the family and may be sent to Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens and Cemetery, 111th Avenue North, Naples, Florida, 34108; posted on Carol’s Dignity Memorial website; or e-mailed to: [email protected].