Dr. Carol Ann Buttell

Dr. Carol Ann (Kellerman) Buttell, 86, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at North Woods Village Memory Care. Born in Fort Wayne on February 5, 1936, to Andrew John Kellerman, Jr., and Katherine Elizabeth (Bates) Kellerman, Carol grew up in Waynedale. She attended Waynedale Elementary and Elmhurst High School, graduating in 1954. From Ball State, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education, later adding a doctorate in adult and community education. Prior to beginning her teaching career, Carol worked for her family’s Kellerman Printing Company, as well as at Fort Wayne icons Wolf and Dessauer, General Electric, and the Allen County Public Library. With the exception of a brief period as an educator in San Bernardino, CA, Carol spent a combined 42 1/2 years teaching in Fort Wayne Community Schools at Northcrest, Harrison Hill, and Lincoln Elementary schools. In addition to her work in the classroom, Carol strove to improve her community and her profession. She was a faithful member of Waynedale United Methodist Church (70+ years); collegiate sorority Sigma Sigma Sigma, Beta Gamma Chapter (60+ years); women educators’ honorary Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha Psi/Gamma Lambda Chapters (50+ years); philanthropic sorority Psi Iota Xi, Pi Chapter (45 years); and United Methodist Women (15+ years). Carol was also a member of Fort Wayne Education Association; Allen County Retired Educators Association; Indiana State Teachers Association- Retired; and National Education Association; among other national, state, and local organizations. She served as a leader in every group to which she belonged. When her schedule permitted, Carol loved traveling with her family and friends, eventually reaching all 50 states and seven continents. She is survived by her daughters, Linda (John) Walls Nancy (Blane) Bade; grandchildren, Amanda (Jordan) Knerr, Nicholas Bade, and Sarah (Michael) Lothamer; and great-granddaughter, Shelby Jo Lothamer. Carol was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Sandra Lee Kellerman Wirth; brother-in-law, Marion “Jack” Wirth; niece, Jennifer Lee Wirth; and former husband, Fred Walter Buttell. Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 P.M. on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Home for Funerals, 6810 Old Trail Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46809. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 29, 2022 at Waynedale United Methodist Church, 2501 Church Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46809 with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Ted Jansen will be officiating the service. A private graveside service will be conducted at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Preferred memorials are to Waynedale United Methodist Church Foundation.