Carol Ann Rains

June 1, 1935 to Sept 16, 2017

Carol Ann Rains, 82, of Fort Myers, passed away on Saturday, September 16th, 2017 after experiencing a stroke.

Carol was born on June 1, 1935 in Fairview, Ohio, to Lester Phillips and Helen Rowand Phillips. Her early years were spent in Ohio where she met and married Donald William Velain in 1956. She and Don moved to Florida in 1967. She did secretarial and administrative work for the railroad in Ohio and later worked for the Lee County Board of County Commissioners, here in Florida, for many years.

In the early 1970’s Don joined Araba Shrine and Carol joined Beta Sigma Phi. The Shrine and sorority became big parts of their lives. Don was elected Potentate and Carol held offices, throughout the years, in Beta Sigma Phi where she became a life member.

In recent years, Carol was also an active member of the Daughters of the Nile and Jesterettes. Previously she was a member of the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine of North America. She enjoyed her participation in these organizations and made lifelong friends there. Carol had a deep and passionate love for children and these organizations gave her the opportunity to help them in many ways.

Carol loved books and was an avid reader. She also loved Corgis and traveling. She and Don traveled extensively to Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Holland, Russia, China, Mexico, Hong Kong, Japan and Hawaii.

Don passed away in 1998.

Ten years later, at a Shriners dinner, she met John Kenton Rains, who was an active Mason for 50 years and was being initiated into Shrine that night. He was also widowed. Neither one ever thought they would have a second chance at love, but it happened! They were married in 2009 and enjoyed spending years together. They traveled often and went on many cruises. Most memorable was a cruise to South America and a trip by bus to several national parks. Life together was an adventure.

Her faith and her church were an important part of her life. She and John both attended Fort Myers Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Carol and John took care of each other through multiple health issues in recent years. They made many new friends together wherever they lived. Carol had a kind heart and a sweet personality. She was a loving and caring wife and was loved by everyone whose lives she touched. She will be missed.

Carol is survived by her beloved husband, John Kenton Rains; her brother William Phillips and sister-in-law, Nancy Phillips; her step-daughters, Nancy (John) Mayeux, Sue (Richard) Lundberg; nieces Karen (Todd) Scholtens, Kimberly (Aaron) Humphrey, Kiley (Phil) Beemer; and her nephew, Christopher (Brooke) Phillips. She had 4 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 11 great nieces and nephews and one great grandniece. She also leaves behind her goddaughter, Kristy Jenkins and her dear friends, Alda Saul and Bonney Court.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Lester James Phillips and Helen Rowand Phillips, and by her first husband, Donald William Velain.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, October 28th at 11:00am at:

Fort Myers Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

5916 Winkler Road

Fort Myers, FL 33916

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Carol’s name to:

Shriners Hospitals for Children

Office of Development

2900 Rocky Point Dr.

Tampa, FL 33607

Arrangements are being handled by Coral Ridge Funeral Home & Cemetery in Cape Coral