Carole was born on May 27, 1941, in Bexley, OH, the daughter of S. Paul and Elsie (Schneider) Cole. After graduating from Hopkins High School in Hopkins, MN, and attending the University of Minnesota, Carole moved to San Francisco with friends. It was there she met her husband, Ron, who was then serving in the U.S. Navy.

On December 19, 1964, Carole was united in marriage to Ronald H. Bower. They shared 35 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in August 2000.

She served as a senior field representative for the United States Census Bureau for many years, retiring in 2006. A devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church for 55 years, Carole served as the church secretary and found great joy singing in the choir.

As an avid golfer, she was a member of the Carthage Golf Course for over 50 years. When not out on the golf course, she could be found playing bridge or enjoying her daily morning coffee at Hardee's with dear friends, including Eileen Logan and Karen Nutt.

Above all, Carole was a passionate Chicago Cubs fan and a devoted matriarch. Her family was the center of her world, and she cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Carole is survived by her daughters; Stephanie (Lance) Stott and Nikki (Gary) Housewright; her grandchildren, Suzan (Brandon) Harrison, Ramo (Emily) Stott, and Alex (Kathleen) Bentzinger; her great grandchildren, Finley, Leif, and Isak Harrison; Olivia and Benji Stott; and her sisters in law, Debbie (Roger) Hazlett and Deanna (Bill) Shake.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Ronald Bower.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Carthage, IL. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the service, beginning at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Carthage Golf Course, Trinity Lutheran Church, or the SE Iowa Regional Hospice House.

Arrangements are being handled by Printy Funeral Home.