Carol JoAnn Rieves

Carol JoAnn Rieves of Southport, NC passed away peacefully in the early morning hours Sunday, January 5, 2025 after a week of illness. She was surrounded by family. Her faith was very strong and she was ready to be in heaven with Jesus. (Picture taken October, 2024. Always perfectly dressed and made up to the very end!)

Carol was born on June 30, 1936 in Colorado Springs, CO, where she grew up as an only child of Hoyle Ralston Short and Teletha Irene Hague Short.

She graduated from Colorado Springs High School in 1954. She stayed close to many classmates and was involved in planning the reunions for her class that became legendary. 70 years later, she finally was unable to participate and many of the planning crew had passed.

She was married to Robert William McKinley for 24 years. Surviving children are Robert, Melinda, Daniell (aka Melanie), and Richard. She married Ralph Alan Rieves in 1997 and they were married 25 years until his death in 2022. Surviving stepchildren are Heather, Dan, and Journey. She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with all her heart and many of them lived with her for periods of time. These were times she spoke of often with gratefulness that she was able to provide a safe haven for some, or as some were there when she needed support as well.

As it became more difficult to care for her husband with Alzheimer’s, they lived in assisted care, then with her daughter, Melanie, for a year before relocating to California with her daughter, Melinda, where Ralph was in a group home with full care and Carol was able to get rest. She spent each day with Ralph throughout Covid supporting and loving him. In 2022, Melinda, her husband Bob, Carol and Ralph relocated to North Carolina for retirement where Carol's oldest son, Rob, and his children and grandchildren were living. Son, Rick, soon joined in NC. She was able to visit with many of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren during her NC stent. Loving every minute.

Carol became actively involved in her new church home Ocean View United Methodist Church where she served as a member (co-coordinator) of the Farm to Table Ministry and the Heavenly Crafters Circle.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph; and grandson, Sam.

Carol was the most joyful person finding love and beauty in everything and everyone. She loved flowers, gardening, clouds, green trees against a blue sky, often commenting on God’s gift of amazing colors everywhere. She was truly interested in everyone’s stories whether you were her old friend, new friend, salesperson on the phone, in line at a checkout, or random uber driver. She made everyone feel special and important.

Her biggest joy was being involved with others and spending time with people. She was everyone’s friend and after a day of worship, lunch out, shopping, she would feel full of love and happiness. In North Carolina, she was unable to drive as her eyesight had deteriorated. This, along with hearing loss and pain from arthritis and fibromyalgia, never stopped her from living life to the fullest. Her amazing friends from Ocean View United Methodist Church were incredible as they made sure she was able to attend church weekly, participate with her beloved groups, and included her in various activities throughout the community. She loved plays and music.

The family cannot thank Ocean View United Methodist Church enough for their caring environment. They were her home away from home and encircled her with love and inclusiveness. We will be forever grateful as her last years were made so happy and full.