Carol Leys

Carol Esther Leys passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the age of 91. She was born in Grand Rapids on July 14, 1934.

Carol was a long-time member of the Carl A. Johnson American Legion Post #2 in Grand Rapids and served as the president for a number of years. She also worked for 25 years as the secretary of the Northwest Kelloggsville School in Grand Rapids.

She and her husband, Don Leys, retired to Torch Lake where she became a paramount resident and continued to pour into the surrounding communities. Carol was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star #72 in Charlevoix for 18 years, and she volunteered much of her time at the Charlevoix Hospital. She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Central Lake and dedicated countless hours supporting the church in any way she could. She was also the driving force behind many Relay for Life events in Central Lake over the years. Carol worked at both Brownwood stores for about 10 years after they moved North as well.

Carol’s caring heart and kind spirit will be missed by all who knew her.

Carol is survived by her three children, Raymond (Sandie) Leys of Kentwood, Donald Jr. (Lorie) Leys of Ellsworth, and Jill (Eugene) Scheidel of Belding; a half-brother, Gary (Judith) Burgess of Arizona; a half-sister, Irene Divel of Wyoming, MI; a sister-in-law, Judy Born’e of Colorado; 10 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Donald Leys; and her parents.

A funeral service will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, at the First Congregational Church in Central Lake. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services at 12:00.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ursula House, PO Box 326, Central Lake, MI 49622

Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com