Carol Marie (Nelson) Oxenford
Carol was born February 12, 1926 to Karl and Marie Nelson, passed away on April 10, 2022. Carol grew up in Scranton, Iowa and graduated from Scranton High School where she was a drum majorette in the band. After graduation from high school, Carol and her sister Helen moved to Omaha to work in a bomber plant making wings during World War II.
After returning home from Omaha, she married Donald Oxenford on November 26, 1947. They made their home in Urbandale for 43 years where they raised their six children, Vicki (Gary), Toby (Dean), Bruce (Linda), Jay (Patty), Martha (Dan), and Nancy (Robert). Carol has 18 grandchildren with 16 spouses, 34 great grandchildren with 2 spouses, and 1 on the way, and 2 great great grandchildren.
Carol was very active in Tri T where she made many life time friends. Carol was a stay-at-home mom where she was able to be a Boy Scout Leader, Homeroom mother for many years and always had room for any child that needed a home or safe place. The love that Carol showed to her family was evident in the family dinners and open door policy to all her children’s friends. Everyone knew they were always welcome at any time. Carol was the one person who you could go to who would never judge and would listen and offer comfort and understanding (however, Carol could not keep a secret).
Carol and Don moved to Waukee and lived there for approximately 20 years. While living in Waukee, Carol hosted the neighbors for daily coffee in the mornings and tea in the afternoons. Once again, making many friends.
In retirement, Don and Carol wintered at their home in Donna, Texas. Many family members enjoyed going down to visit to escape the Iowa winters. Even grandchildren went down to spend their spring breaks with them. And again, many friends were made in Texas.
Carol moved in Urbandale Heath Care Center in September of 2018. She received loving care from the entire nursing staff. The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the CNAs, the RNs, dining room staff, kitchen help, and even the cleaning crew and laundry lady. They made it possible to leave mom in their care when we could not be there. You know who you are that went “shopping”, loved on her and teased her like you were her own kids. They all showed mom loved and took care of us when we needed it the most.
Carol was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, her parents, her sister and 4 brothers, her daughter and daughter in law, a son in law, and a grandson.
Carol’s frankness, sense of humor, kindness, and generosity leaves a legacy for her family and all that knew her. She was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measures.
Funeral services will be held Friday, April 22, 2022 at New Hope Assembly of God (4425 70th St., Urbandale, IA 50322). Visitation will be at 10:00 AM with the funeral service following at 11:00 AM.
