Caron Lynette “Diehl” Gillenwater, 51, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, March 5, 2023. Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Caron was the daughter of Thomas and Christine (Coy) Diehl, was the eldest of 6 siblings and grew up in New Haven, IN.
Caron went to St. John’s Catholic School from K-8th grade and graduated from New Haven High School Class of 1989. Caron loved sports, especially volleyball and softball which she grew up playing through high school and played 1 year of softball in college. She was also a huge high school wrestling fan and loved cheering on her brother Sam, her high school friends, and eventually her friend’s children. Caron started her college career at St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, IN, and eventually earned an associate’s degree in nursing from the University of St. Francis in Ft. Wayne, IN. She worked as a Registered Nurse, starting her career at St. Joseph Hospital, then worked at Lutheran Hospital for many years, and finished her nursing career at Visiting Nurse/ Stillwater Hospice.
Caron was a faithful servant of God and grew her faith and love for Jesus Christ at Grace Gathering where she was baptized in 2000 and attended for over 23 years. Her unwavering and steadfast faith was an example to everyone she met, and her smile was contagious.
Caron met the love of her life, Shane, at her best friends’ wedding in 1998 and they were married in 1999. Caron had the privilege of loving and helping raise Shane’s 3 beautiful children. She would eventually have her dreams come true when she and Shane adopted their son Jesse who completed their family. Caron and Shane would be additionally blessed with 9 grandchildren.
Caron had a passion for entertaining her friends and family, especially through her amazing cooking (her love language). She also loved to travel with her husband and family, and for a short time they lived in Florida which she dearly loved.
Caron loved her big family beyond measure, and especially loved family gatherings where cooking, euchre, and laughter was had by all. She also had the most amazing group of friends and her list of “great” friends seemed to be endless. She was the definition of a true friend and was always there to show love, witness her faith of God, and serve others.
Caron was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, granddaughter, aunt, niece, cousin, friend, and most importantly a faithful child of God. She is survived by her husband of 23 years, Shane Gillenwater; children, Jesse Gillenwater, Elizabeth Gillenwater, Cameron (Kaitlyn) Logan, Aaron (Autum) Logan; 9 grandchildren, Indiah, Brielle, Corieon, Benjamin, Ainsley, Isaiah, Allie, Leighton, Ivory; 5 siblings, Angela (Mike) Thompson, Sara (Shannon) Brinkley, Matthew (Lori) Diehl, Rebecca (Jeremy) Washington, Samuel Diehl; 6 nieces and nephews; 35 first cousins; 14 aunts and uncles. Caron was preceded in death by her; granddaughters, Hadley Logan, and twins Lily Belle Logan and Libby Mae Logan; grandparents, Frederick and Doris Diehl, Paul and Eileen Roembke, Chester and Luann Coy; and Father-in-law, Bill Gillenwater. A celebration of Caron’s life will be held at noon, Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Grace Gathering East, 3157 Minnich Road, New Haven with calling one hour prior. Calling also on Friday, March 17, 2023 at the church from 5 pm to 8 pm. In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to Three Rivers FCU In Care of Jesse Gillenwater.