Carol Jayne

Carol Ann Jayne, 80, passed away February 15, 2020, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. She was born in Des Moines, Iowa, to Vannard and Clessie Christiansen on October 14, 1939.

Carol loved getting her daily exercise by walking outside 10 miles a day, and in the downtown skywalk system on cold or rainy days. As a mindful pedestrian, she worked with the local schools and city officials to install stoplights at the intersection of Hull Ave. and East 9th Street so children could safely walk to school. She enjoyed frequenting Zanzibar’s to fulfill her coffee addiction and visit with friends. Carol also loved sewing, especially teddy bears made out of burlap coffee bags.

An avid sports buff and enthusiast, she listened to sports radio every chance she had. Carol loved cheering on her Minnesota Twins and New England Patriots. She also loved traveling, particularly to Florida around the same time spring training for Major League Baseball was taking place. Anyone who knew Carol knew this timing was no coincidence. Her passion for sports guided her to Principal Park where she worked at the information booth for Iowa Cubs games and the ticket booth for Drake basketball games.

Carol began her career at Northwestern Bell Phone Company. She then worked as a teacher’s aide and substitute for the Des Moines Public Schools for many years where you would find her roaming the halls of Hoover, Roosevelt, and East. Carol also worked at the Mercy Hospital guest service desk as well as serving as an usher at Vets, Wells Fargo, and the Civic Center for the many events that came to Des Moines.

Carol was a proud member of the Danish Sisterhood.

Above all else, Carol treasured time spent with her family and loved ones. She will be remembered as a strong, independent woman who was tenacious and persistent; a true fighter until the end.

Carol is survived by her sons, John Jayne and Eric (Kat) Jayne; grandchildren: Jill Jayne, Ella Jayne, Robert Jayne, and Owen Jayne; great-grandson, Caydin Champlin; brother, Vannard (Pam) Christiansen; as well as other loving family and many special friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Karla Rockford Morris and her parents, Vannard and Clessie.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines, with visitation held one hour prior to service time.

Online condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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