Carol Ochs

On Jul 30, 2025, Carol Ann (Ormsby) Ochs ended her fight with cancer at the age of 57. She peacefully died surrounded by her family and enveloped in love.

Carol was born June 13, 1968, in Charlevoix to William “Bill” and Shirley (Pahl) Ormsby. She attended Charlevoix Public Schools and graduated in the class of 1986. Her love of band grew while playing trombone at CHS, and she continued while in college and later in life. She graduated from Hope College with degrees in Communications and English/Journalism in 1990. In 1993, she married her high school sweetheart, Tom Ochs, and in 2000, they were blessed with the birth of twin daughters, Grace and Hannah. Carol lived in the Grand Rapids area for 10 years before returning to Charlevoix. She held a plethora of jobs, but she was proudest of the time she spent with World Bible Publishers, her work as City Clerk for Charlevoix, and her extensive freelance proofreading projects.

She loved to read, crochet, scrapbook, paint, and travel. She had a refrigerator covered in magnets to prove her travelling expeditions. She liked scuba diving, but disliked swimming. She enjoyed sailboat cruising, but hated boat tilting and pounding waves. In spite of the tedious nature of getting there and back, the destination was worth it for Carol.

Carol was diagnosed with ovarian cancer September 2023, but she continued to do what she loved with the people she loved. In her last month, after entering hospice care, she was able to attend her daughter’s wedding, watch Venetian fireworks, and spend precious time with family and friends. She was happy to see the many people who stopped in to visit - those visits always brought a huge, loving smile and heartfelt appreciation.

Carol was preceded in death by both of her parents and her brother, Terry Ormsby. She is survived by her husband, Tom; her daughters, Hannah and Grace (Mason); her sister, Linda (Jim); and her sister-in-law, Ellen. She is also survived by many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Activities to honor Carol’s life and love will include visitation from 5-7pm on October 10th at Mortensen Funeral Home in Charlevoix. There will also be a memorial service for Carol on Saturday October 11th at the United Congregational Church in Charlevoix at 12:30pm, followed by a luncheon.

Memorial funds will be given to the Charlevoix Band program for the purchase of large instruments.

Checks can be made out to "Charlevoix Band Boosters". Mailing address: Jake Bronson Charlevoix Middle/High School 5200 Marion Center Rd Charlevoix, MI 49720

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

Sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com