Carol Joan Premo (Ross) was born in Paducah, Kentucky December 15, 1937 to Rev. Ivan and Florence Ross. They named her Carol for being their early Christmas present. Sisters Barbara (Boone) and Debbie (Amon) later completed the Ross family. Ivan led a number of Lutheran Churches. The girls moving, helping, and learning. Carol attended five or six schools mostly in Indiana. She graduated from Niles High School in Michigan. From Niles she went to Wittenberg College in Springfield, Ohio. She loved the school and her experiences there, but a nursing degree was in her sights. In 1958, Carol's first week at Northwestern University's Chicago campus, Wayne , her future husband, saw this beautiful lady walking across the dance floor. For him it was love at first sight. He learned quickly that she was even more beautiful on the inside. Carol's father, Ivan, performed their wedding ceremony in Chicago June 24, 1961. She had earned her nursing degree from Northwestern University and went right to work at Cook County Hospital's Fantus Clinic. This was a rewarding, urban medical experience. Plattsburgh Air Force Base, New York was Carol's next home. Armed with her New York License she taught nursing students at Champlain Valley Hospital nestled in the Adirondack Mountains right on Lake Champlain. With new friends from the medical group, it was an exciting time for Carol. After two years there Carol came to Fremont. It was Old Fashioned Days. Two months later son David was born at Gerber Memorial Hospital. Son Steve was born there twenty-two months later. She was an inspirational mother that led by example. Her boys made her very proud as their lives progressed. Carol was an avid reader with amazing comprehension. Her reading included Bible study. She both attended and taught Bible classes over the years and applied those lessons to her own life. Everything she did, she did with enthusiasm. Coached by her mother, she created clothes and home decor with her sewing machine and artful eye. She put the same passion into her kitchen. She was a creative cook with family and friends enjoying her delicious meals. Big event added to Carol's joy of life. Tammy Kring joined the family in marriage to Steve. Subsequently Tammy gave birth grandson, Alex, and granddaughter, Morgan. Being a loving Grandmother was right up her alley and the grandkids made themselves easy to love. She loved to travel. Carol went to Europe several times, once visiting relatives in Sweden with her sister, Barbara. She also spent much time in Florida, Amasa (U.P.), Chicago, and New England. Time in New England also involved her close friend, Jeanie Caris. Together they put their knowledge of fabric and sewing and formed Travlin' Textiles . It was successful, but source mills in New England closed from foreign competition so they had to close shop. The Upper Peninsula became an important destination for her. At first she worked to tolerate the frequent trips there. But the warmth of Wayne's relatives, nearby swimming, exploration, and a Gregg LaVacque built, Carol decorated cabin, it made the U.P. a destination, one she really looked forward to visiting three and a half months a year. In 1987, before her 50th birthday, Carol was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. She still led a productive, active life with the help of the Movement Clinic at Rush Hospital in Chicago. They marveled at her positive attitude and her determination to beat this depressing disease. An accomplished swimmer she took on Parkinson's with swimming, yoga, walking, and exercise until her body would no longer permit it. Toward the end of her life, her body ravaged by Parkinson's and other physical limitations, Wayne found a strength and character in her that he had never seen in a person. It carried her far beyond everyone's expectations, and gave her life meaning to the end. She should not be pitied, but rather admired, remembered, and respected for her courage. Her wonderful smile and works touched many. Carol started life with her dad, Ivan, as her Christian mentor. She took his push and ran with it. Next to LOVE the one word to describe Carol is SPUNK. Wayne wants to thank God for the glimpse at the mixer that afforded him the honor of meeting Carol. There will be a Memorial Service to celebrate Carol's life on Friday, December 14, 2018, at 11:00 AM at the Fremont United Methodist Church with Pastor Julie Fairchild officiating. There will be a time of visitation to meet with the family at the Church one hour prior to the service. For a more lasting memorial, friends are asked to consider the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research – www.michaeljfox.org/get-involved/donation2.php Friends may share memories and condolences online with the Premo family at ww.crandellfh.com. Visitation Fremont United Methodist Church Friday, December 14, 2018 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 351 Butterfield Fremont, MI 49412 Memorial Service Fremont United Methodist Church Friday, December 14, 2018 11:00 AM 351 Butterfield Fremont, MI 49412