Carole Ann Mayo

Carole Ann Mayo, age 80, passed away on May 30, 2021 in Sun City West, Arizona. Carole was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on May 23, 1941 to parents John and Mary Schmidt. A long-time Arizona resident, Carole’s family moved to the valley when she was 12. After graduating from West High School in Phoenix, Arizona, Carole met and married Ken Mayo and they had three children. She worked for Mountain Bell for 40 years until she finally retired in 2007. She often spoke about the years she worked at “16 W. McDowell” and the friendships she made there.

She is survived by son Mark Mayo and daughter Maryann Reed (CJ). Carole was an extremely proud grandma/nanny/nan to Ashlie Mayo, Josh Reed, Jade Reed, and Vinnie Mayo. She was a proud great grandma to Kaliann, John, Kelsey, Jaxson, Valerie, and Zoie. She is preceded in death by her husband Ken, son John, sister MaryKay Haviland, and sister Pat Romley. She leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews whom she adored.

Carole loved being a mom. She would sew matching outfits for her two boys and dress them identically. When her daughter was born, she became her softball coach at Cactus Wren Ball Club. Carole also loved crafting, usually with one of her sisters. Together, they would macramé wall hangings, decoupage items, needlepoint canvases, and paint ceramics.

Carole really loved being a grandma! Her grandchildren were her world. She would attend almost all of their football and baseball games, track meets, cheerleading competitions, and birthday parties. She even taught her granddaughter how to drive.

After a well-deserved retirement, she moved to a 55+ community. It was there that she met friends that became like family to her. They laughed, visited, and met each Sunday night at her place to watch the Lincoln: Divided We Stand series.

Carole will be laid to rest at Resthaven Park Cemetery in a private ceremony.