Carole Kay Wuerfel

Carole Kay Wuerfel, age 84, of Milford, formerly of Montgomery, passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at SEM Haven in Milford. She was born August 4, 1933 in Van Wert, Ohio the daughter of David and Lois (nee Rupright) Douglas. She attended the University of Michigan where she met and married Naval Officer Robert Wuerfel. She and Bob lived in Pensacola, Florida and Shreveport, Louisiana where he was stationed and their sons; Kurt and Erich were born. The family often visited the Wuerfel family cabin, hand built by Bob's father (Ted) in the 50's (Beaver Lodge), on Burt Lake, south of Mackinac Island in Michigan. Carole called her Michigan lake life a "slice of Heaven in the middle of nowhere" where she cultivated numerous friendships with both the locals and other summer residents She was an accomplished, patient fisherwoman whose delicate touch with just a Zebco reel regularly fed the family of four. Even after the passing of her husband in 1991, Carole was still perfectly at ease for weeks at the cabin painting, quilting, fishing, gardening, reading and relaxing with her dear friends. Her love of lake life was expressed in her wildlife paintings and quilts sold for years at the Montgomery Art Show. Once her family settled in Cincinnati, Carole became an entrepreneur, developing the Seven Hills Clothing Exchange. Through her organization skills and gentle motivation of the many volunteers she grew the small backroom business into a 4,000 sq ft store that now regularly generates considerable donations and contributions for the school. In the process, Carole made numerous lifelong friends with the volunteers and contributors, all working for a shared goal. The broad knowledge that she gained through the Exchange gave her a passion for the history and value of collectibles, antiques, glassware, jewelry, pottery and other artworks. This in turn, gave way to her love of travel to many countries from Borneo to New Zealand. Her favorite; a small west coast resort in Mexico for artists. She also enjoyed quilting and made 100's of quilts donating many to a small Mexican orphanage and other children's charities; each quilt lovingly made with her own design. Carole was also a beloved "swimming Mom" in support of her children's activities, often seen running swimming meets as an official, carpooling across the eastside or simply cheering loudly for the kids. Carole will be missed by her son and daughter-in-law; Erich and Carolyn Wuerfel, granddaughters; Sarah and Hannah Wuerfel, a brother Paul (Pat) Douglas and several "best buddies." Along with her parents and husband, Bob, she was preceded in death by her son Kurt. A celebration of her amazing life will be Sunday, October 22, 2017 from 2:00 to 4:00PM at the Evans Funeral Home, 741 Center St. Milford 45150. Memorials in her honor can be made to Hospice of Cincinnati P.O. Box 633597, Cincinnati, Ohio 45263