Carole Jean Vanderburg, 84, of Washington, passed away peacefully at home on March 15, 2026. Born on September 6, 1941, in Springfield, Missouri, she was the daughter of Frank and Roxie (Helms) Hargus.
In 1960, Carole married the love of her life, Raymond Vanderburg, in Springfield. Together they shared 66 years of marriage filled with deep affection and countless adventures. The couple lived in Springfield before moving to Washington, Illinois, in 1964, where Carole devoted herself to raising their family. She later served as secretary at First Baptist Church in Washington (now Gospel Life Church) for 18 years and as financial secretary for the Metro Peoria Baptist Association. She also played a key role in establishing several church libraries throughout the area.
Carole and Ray cherished traveling together across America and Europe, creating treasured memories with family and friends. She embraced every journey with joy and enthusiasm, living by her personal motto, “Live, Laugh, Love.” Known for her warmth, quick laughter, and positive spirit, Carole also had a distinctive sense of style—always elegantly dressed, adorned with a ring on every finger and a special hat for every occasion.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Ray Vanderburg of Washington; her children, Dale (Angela) Vanderburg of Taylorsville, Kentucky, Karla (Ken) Butters of Ankeny, Iowa, and Konrad (Tracy) Vanderburg of Washington, Illinois; nine grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; her brother, Ron Hargus of Springfield, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Gary Hargus.
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