Carolyn Louise Grote

Carolyn Hayden Grote died Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at her home, the Ventura Townehouse. She was born December 10, 1923 in Brockton, MA to Russell and Dorothy Hayden.

Carolyn and her brother Russell were placed in a Methodist orphanage in Williamsville, NY when she was 8 years old as it was during the depression and times were hard. It was there that she became a Christian. When she was 13 and times got better, Carolyn and her brother went to live with her aunt, uncle, and father in Rochester, NY.

Carolyn graduated from high school and went to work for Eastman Kodak Co. in Rochester. She married John Hempel in 1942 and they traveled to Fairbanks, AK, the Philippines, and many places in the United States when he was in the Air Force.

In 1963, Carolyn married Horrell Grote. They had 46 and a half years together, enjoying their church, camping, and motorcycling. He passed in 2009.

Carolyn greatly enjoyed her church, friends, and playing bridge. She had a healthy life and has recently said, "I am ready to go home with the Lord my Saviour."

She leaves three wonderful children: her son John Hempel and his wife Sandra, of Fresno; daughter Karen Ackey and husband John, of Georgetown, TX; stepdaughter Linda Wargin, of St. Augustine, FL; as well as several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 14 at Reardon Funeral Home, 511 N. 'A' St., Oxnard. The Reverend Eric Mettala will officiate. Interment will follow at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, Camarillo.

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