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Obituary: Carolyn Y. Virkler, 87, Croghan
Published: July 25, 2025
By: Provided by Iseneker
Funeral Home
Carolyn Y.
Virkler
 CROGHAN – Carolyn Y. Virkler, 87, of
State Route 812, passed away on July 25, 2025 at
her home in Croghan, New York surrounded by her loving family.
Carolyn was born
on April 26, 1938, in Lowville, a daughter of the late C. “Earl” and Lila
Stanton Yousey. She grew up in the Hamlet of West Martinsburg attending a
one room schoolhouse and continued her education at Lowville Academy
Central School, graduating with the Class of 1955. After graduation, she
went on to work at Greystone Manor Nursing Home as a nurse’s aide for a
short time before joining the Lewis County Trust Company. On June 15, 1957,
she married Rodney F. Virkler at the Lowville Baptist Church with Reverend
George J. Douglas officiating. In the early years of their marriage, they
took great pride in owning a stock car under the number 6-15.
In January 1963,
Carolyn continued her career as a clerk with the district business office
at Beaver River Central School, where she worked until retiring in 1999.
She continued serving the school as tax collector until 2018 at the age of
80. In 2013, she was honored as Citizen of the Year for her outstanding
service to the local area. She also served on the election board for 50
years.
Carolyn was an
active community member, known far and wide for her generosity and acts of
service. As a Memorial Post 1663 American Legion Auxiliary member, she held
many offices, including President and 5th District President,
and was always available to lend much-needed hospital beds and medical
equipment to those in the community. She is best known for organizing and cooking for countless funeral dinners at both the Legion
and her church, feeding thousands throughout her lifetime. She also enjoyed
baking, especially wedding cakes which she often gifted to family and
friends.
She is survived
by four children: Charmaine (John Michael) Campany
of Croghan, Risë (Jeffrey) Roose of Croghan,
Casandra (Brian) Lyndaker of Lowville, and Rochelle (Richard) Lagree of
Lowville; two siblings, Joyce (Thomas) Martin of Myrtle Beach, SC, and
Kevin (Linda) Yousey of Lowville; twelve grandchildren; five
great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Ken Storm of Clinton, NY; and
several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband,
Rodney, on September 27, 1994; a sister, Sharon Storm; brother-in-law and
sister-in-law Ronald (Barbara) Virkler and brother-in-law Allyn Virkler.
Carolyn and Rod
were known for welcoming everyone to their home. Anyone in need of a meal
or a place to stay was received with open arms at the
Virkler Farm. Carolyn hosted many gatherings and no matter the event, she loved cooking for everyone and
bringing people together. She opened her home to many extended family
members, including friends, neighbors, relatives, and strangers. Her
additional “children” include exchange student Marcela Benavides of Monterrey,
Mexico, and student teacher Scott Hay of Portland, Maine—both of whom
remain lifelong family members.
Carolyn also
lovingly cared for her brother-in-law, Allyn Virkler, after the loss of
both his parents when he was just 16. She loved him like a brother, and
they shared a special bond, spending more time together than with anyone
else throughout their lives.
Carolyn loved to
garden and planted a large vegetable garden each year—continuing until the
last year of her life. She was a skilled seamstress and took pride in
sewing hundreds of quilts and donated approximately 900 quilt squares to
Fostering Hope in Conway, SC. She also sewed personal quilts for all of her grandchildren as graduation gifts, which hung
proudly at each of their high-school graduation parties. She loved to
travel, cruising to Hawaii, Alaska and through the Panama Canal, as well as
throughout Europe, Canada and Mexico. Carolyn was a skilled bowler in her
younger years, earning many trophies.
She was a devoted
member of the Lowville Baptist Church, serving as Deacon, Moderator,
Secretary, and also served on the hospitality
committee for many funeral services and community meals. She was a
constant, quiet presence in the back left-hand side pew throughout her
life.
Carolyn was a
longtime 4-H leader and an active member of many organizations, including
the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR),
Tug Hill Quilters, Farm Bureau, Lewis County General Hospital Auxiliary,
Lewis County Cooperative Extension, Lewis County Ethics Board, Professional
Secretaries Association, and Croghan American Legion Auxiliary. She also
served on the Beaver River School Board, where she acted as clerk and
district officer.
Carolyn was proud
of the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren and great
grandchildren. Frequently staying up to date on their travels and
accomplishments in order to provide updates to
friends.
She will be
remembered as a passionate community member, always willing to lend a
helping hand, and serving as a living testament to the steady, heartfelt
commitment of what it means to truly be of service in the world.
The family offers
our deepest gratitude to Carolyn’s sister and brother-in-law Joyce and Tom
Martin for being by her side throughout the final weeks of her life. The
family also thanks Lewis County Hospice caregivers for their kindness.
The funeral will
be at 11:00 am on Monday, July 28, 2025 at the
Lowville Baptist Church with Pastor Leon Runner officiating. Burial will
follow the service in the Apostolic Christian Cemetery, Croghan. A luncheon
will be held at the Croghan American Legion following burial; all are
welcome. Any food donations may be dropped off the morning of the service
at the Croghan American Legion. Calling hours are Sunday, July 27, 2025 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at the Iseneker
Funeral Home.
In lieu of
flowers, contributions in Carolyn’s name may be made to the Lowville
Baptist Church, P.O. Box 89, Lowville, NY 13367, or to Caring Friends of
the Community, P.O. Box 712, Croghan, NY 13327.
Condolences may
be made online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com.
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