Carol J. Rayhorn

Carol Rayhorn, of Elizabeth, formerly of Hanover, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Prairie Ridge Assisted Living Center in Galena, Illinois. A funeral service will be held in her honor.

Carol was born in Hanover, the daughter of Homer and Mina (Haas) Vandervate. A proud graduate of Hanover High School, Class of 1955, she continued her education at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where she earned her degree in education. On June 15, 1963, she married William Rayhorn. The couple shared 39 years of devoted marriage until William’s passing.

A lifelong educator, Carol began her career teaching fourth grade in Freeport before dedicating 35 years to teaching fifth grade in Elizabeth. Her passion for learning and commitment to her students left a lasting impression on generations of young minds. She was a proud member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an international society for women educators, and co-founded the Lucky 13 Investment Club.

Carol gave generously of her time and talents to the community. She served on the Elizabeth Library Board and the Board of the Elizabeth Nursing Home, nurturing her love of reading and care for others. Her hobbies included collecting antiques, attending auctions and flea markets, and exploring books with keen interest and joy. Carol especially enjoyed her Friday Shopping trips to Dubuque. Carol was a dedicated member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hanover, where her faith provided strength and comfort throughout her life. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh with family and friends.

She is lovingly remembered by several nieces and nephews. Carol was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William; her parents, Homer and Mina Vandervate; two sister, Henrietta Anderson, and Shirley Potter; and her brothers, Junior, Theodore, and Clifford Vandervate.

Carol’s life was one of quiet strength, unwavering dedication, and thoughtful generosity. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew her. Carol’s family would like to thank the caring Staff at Prairie Ridge for their loving care over the past year.