Cecelia Ann Carpenter, age 84, lifelong resident of Adrian, died peacefully Monday morning, March 23, 2026, at Hampton Manor of Madison while under the care of Optimal Care Hospice. Born August 23, 1941, in Adrian, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Helen (Ranger) Earles.
Cecelia was one of 19 students of the first graduating class at Madison Schools in 1959. After high school, she obtained a nursing certificate from St. Vincent’s School of Nursing. In 1975, she earned her BSN from Defiance College. She was employed as a nurse for over 47 years between the former Bixby Medical Center and Morenci Area Hospital, where she notably served the prominent role of Chief Executive Officer.
On August 11, 1962, Cecelia married the love of her life, Wayne Sidney Carpenter, in Fairfield. Together, they raised a family of three children and celebrated over 63 years of happy memories and world traveling.
Cecelia was a member of Wellsville United Methodist Church, Order of Eastern Star Chapters in Fairfield and Fulton County, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Rome and Madison Grange. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, photography, and reading. In her vast world travels, she was fortunate to have visited 137 countries while visiting all seven continents.
Surviving in addition to her husband, Wayne, is a son, Matthew (Kelly) Carpenter of Adrian; daughter, Caroline (Robert) Ambrose of Adrian; three grandchildren, Jacob (Lindsey) Carpenter, Abby (Ben) Vittore, and John (Victoria) Ambrose; a great-granddaughter, Rosie Jo; bonus great-grandson, Joshua; two great-grandchildren on-the-way; and former exchange students from Germany that have remained part of the family, Richard and Robert Tamas.
Cecelia was preceded in her death by her parents; a son, Bruce Carpenter in 1975; and two brothers, Richard and Robert Earles.
The family will receive friends for visitation at the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home in Adrian on Thursday, March 26, 2026, beginning at 3:00 p.m. and concluding with an OES Service at 7:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 27, at 12:30 p.m. at Wellsville United Methodist Church near Blissfield. Pastor Brad Vasey will officiate. Private burial will precede the service in Fairfield Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to Wellsville United Methodist Church or the Lenawee Humane Society. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.