Carol E. Holley (Kepler) Obituary (1949 - 2026)

In the loving memory of Carol E. Holley (Kepler), born on April 13, 1949, in Dayton, OH; whose resilient spirit ceased its earthly journey on May 11, 2026 at home surrounded by her family. Carol, a generous heart and a beacon of laughter, spent her formative years in the very heart of Jamestown & Xenia before her adventures took her to the sun-kissed landscapes of Arizona and the welcoming community of Hillsboro, Ohio. Eventually, she found her way back home in Xenia, Ohio, where she was not just a resident but an irreplaceable part of the community fabric. My grandma Carol was a remarkable woman. A loving mother and grandmother, she spent her life devoted to her family. She was the epitome of resilience and strength, juggling two jobs to keep a roof over her children's heads and food on the table. Despite the challenges, she never lost her sense of humor, her laughter was our home's soundtrack. Carol found joy in the simplest of things – a good game on her computer, an evening at the bowling alley, even doing the laundry. Her love for us, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, was boundless and unconditional. She was our rock, our safe harbor in life's storms. Carol's legacy lives on in her loving family. She is survived by her daughter Renee’ (Thomas) McCatherine, her son Lawrence Holley II, her grandchildren Michael (Christina) Butler, Taylor (Jayvon) McCatherine, Thomas McCatherine III, her great-grandchildren Meagan McCatherine (Snookums), Tayvon Talley, Kayden Butler, Michael Butler, Makenna Butler, and Rayleigh Butler. She is also survived by her sister Jean “Jeannie” Jones, her niece Teresa (David) Griffin, and her nephew Jimmy Jones. Carol is preceded in death by her parents, Norman Kepler and Virginia Hayes, and her nieces Deborah Jones and Catherine Harner. In accordance with Carol's Christian faith, we find solace in the words of the Bible, Psalm 34:18 - "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Her love and laughter will forever echo in our hearts and her memory will guide our steps. We invite you to share your memories of Carol and upload photos on her memorial page, as we celebrate a life well-lived and honor a woman well-loved. A celebration of Carol’s life will be announced at a later date. A special thank you to Ohio’s Hospice home care & Tiffany Rue for all of your help.