Carol Sue Allenbach, 86, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Ashland, OH. She was born November 2, 1939, in Strasburg, OH to Lloyd and Ruth (Klingler) Hamm. She grew up in a family of five in Dover, OH and went on to study Art Education at Ohio University in Athens, OH.
She retired from Ohio Public Schools after 36 years as a 7th grade Art Teacher at Madison Junior High School, leaving behind a lasting legacy of creativity, encouragement, and appreciation for the Arts. After retirement, she frequently volunteered at a local foodbank to help those less fortunate in her community. Throughout her life, Carol expressed her gifts and talents through colorful illustrations, painting, and by creating stained glass art, pieces that reflected both her artistic skill and devotion.
Carol was a woman of faith and loved singing and worshipping the Lord through her local church choir at the Mansfield Baptist Temple. She was deeply family oriented and served others with grace and selflessness, always putting her loved ones first. Her four grandchildren brought her the most joy. She frequently worked in the kitchen to send them the most delicious cookies and sweet notes by mail, and shopped for the perfect present for each one for birthdays and holidays. A care package from Grandma Sue became a constant display of her love and affection throughout the years. Her grandchildren adored her.
Some of her happiest moments were spent outdoors; being in the garden and caring for her apple orchard brought her great peace and joy. During the summer, she looked forward to time at Shelly Acres Swim Club, enjoying swimming and the fellowship that came with it. She also loved being on the water, especially boating, and treasured opportunities to spend time enjoying God’s creation with family members and friends.
Carol is survived by her husband, Peter; children, Michael (Danielle) Allenbach and Michele (Derek) Smith; brother, Steve (Diane) Hamm; sister-in-law, Georjean Allenbach; grandchildren, Kelsi Allenbach, Amanda Allenbach, Warren Smith, and Brice Smith; special nephew, Gordon (Ducia) Hamm; and many cherished family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Larry Hamm.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, https://www.alz.org/ .
