Carolyn Schindel LeFevre

Carolyn Schindel LeFevre was born to Mary and Melvin Schindel in La Mesa, California, where she spent her early years before moving with her family to Grand Junction, Colorado. There, she graduated from Central High School and attended Mesa College.

On New Year’s Eve, 1951, she was introduced to Bill LeFevre on a blind date. That chance meeting led to a lifetime of love, and they were married on July 13, 1952. Their journey together began in Florence, Colorado, where Bill began his 34-year career as a band director, and where they also started their family.

While raising their three boys, Carolyn supported the family with her strong secretarial skills. She always took pride in her work, no matter where she was employed. Her favorite role was the 20 years she spent as the Attendance Secretary at Montrose High School, where she was loved by students and faculty alike. Carolyn cherished the memories made there and attended many class reunions over the years, where she laughed and reminisced with alumni—many of whom enjoyed seeing her just as much as she enjoyed seeing them.

After both she and Bill retired, they turned their love of art and travel into a second career. They founded Windsinger Stained Glass (named for the Navajo Medicine Man written about in the book “Two way… In the Desert”) and spent 23 years traveling from coast to coast, sharing their beautiful and popular creations. Accompanying them on many of their travels was their beloved therapy dog, Miss Molly. When they weren’t on the road, Carolyn and Molly brought joy and comfort to nursing home residents and to the children at Pomona Elementary School, where students eagerly looked forward to reading to Molly—a favorite activity for the children, Molly, and Carolyn alike.

Carolyn lost the love of her life when Bill passed in 2014. Despite challenges with her health and advanced glaucoma, which eventually left her blind, she remained in her cherished home in Montrose thanks to the care and support of her son Gregg, his wife Margie, and many others. When she could no longer get out, her pastor brought bible study to her home. She passed peacefully at home on January 7, 2025.

Carolyn is survived by her three sons: Rick (Julie), Gregg (Margie), and Mike (Hilda); her sister, Priscilla Chamblin; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren—all of whom continue to celebrate her life and legacy.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church in Montrose, Colorado.