M. RAY LECKEMBY FUNERAL HOME
Caroline Lee (Straw) Coughenour, 72, of Salisbury, Pennsylvania, departed peacefully to be with Our Lord on January 11, 2021, with her husband, children and their families surrounding her. She passed away at Somerset UPMC Medical Center following a sudden debilitating episode. She was born November 30, 1948, to Jane (Bishop) and Walter Straw in Marion, Ohio. Carol has a younger brother, Richard Straw, who lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with his wife Isabel. Richard and Isabel have three children, Marisa, Jessica, and Sam. Carol lived in Marion and graduated from Harding High School in 1967. Following high school graduation, she attended beauty school in Marion. 1967 was also the fateful summer when Carol met the love of her life, William Eugene Coughenour "Gene". They were married July 9th, 1967, at Marion Baptist. Carol and Gene lived in various locations while Gene served in the US Air Force. During this time, they brought two sons into the world. Both were born on September 12 in Marion, Ohio. William Eugene Coughenour Jr was born in 1968 and Brian Lee Coughenour in 1972. In 1973, they finally settled in Salisbury, Pennsylvania, building the home where they have lived ever since. William Eugene Coughenour Jr "Bill" is married to Sandra Marie (Essig) Coughenour. They have two children, Garritt Joseph and Tessa Jane. Bill and Sandee live in Madison, Alabama. Brian Lee Coughenour is married to Tina White. They have two daughters, Alayna Grace and Waverly Ann. Brian, Tina, and their daughters live in Ashburn, Virginia. Carol was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Stars, first the Meyersdale Pennsylvania branch for 25 years and then the Frostburg, Maryland, branch for the last 10 years. She held numerous offices within the organization including that of Worthy Matron and for 25 years the secretary for the Meyersdale branch. Although standing at only 5'2", no one who knew Carol ever doubted her iron will. She suffered with Multiple Sclerosis for more than 30 years but refused to allow it to control her life. Despite persistent pain, she shared a positive caring personality with all who knew her. Carol was filled with love until it overflowed. She was a wonderful woman who will be missed dearly by all who knew her. We have been privileged to have her in our lives and will miss her comforting presence. She would remind us to "count our blessings." To those who knew and loved her, she has been a blessing. Her unwavering faith guided her life, and she passed that on to all those she loved. She always greeted everyone with the warmest hug you could hope to receive. Carol's most cherished roles in life were that of wife, mother, and grandmother "Gram". She delighted in sharing stories of her family with everyone that she met. She was always present to support her kids and grandkids. Carol will long be remembered for her cookies, cakes, and meals that she prepared and shared. Sneaking bags of treats to her grandkids on their way home with their parents is a cherished memory for her grandchildren. Days spent with nieces and nephews are beloved memories by many members of her extended family. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, which strives to find a cure for the affliction that Carol struggled against for so many years. She showed those around her that you could live a full life without giving into the disease. Please plant some impatiens this spring and think of her when they bloom. Family and friends will be received on Friday, January 15, 2021 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Hostetler Church of the Brethren, the Funeral Service will follow with Pastor Irvin Ernst officiating. Arrangements by the M. Ray Leckemby Funeral Home. (www.mrayleckembyfh.com)
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