Carolyn Stoltzfus

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16

Carolyn Ann Stoltzfus

11/25/1961 – 12/9/2025

Mom peacefully went to be with her heavenly Father early Tuesday morning, December 9th, 2025. She was at home, where she was most comfortable, surrounded by the immense amount of love she poured into it raising her family. Although in mourning, her husband Dale Stoltzfus and family celebrate her entry into our Savior’s kingdom, as she was always a true warrior for Him.

Carolyn, age 64, was born to Frank Zyzo (deceased) and Dorthea Cashman of Wallingford, Connecticut. She graduated class of 1979 from Lyman Hall High School in Wallingford where she competed in the cheerleading squad. She then went on to graduate in 1983 from Penn State University with a double major in Animal Production and Agricultural Education. Her passion for education and youth led her to an Ag teaching position at Oxford Area High School which brought her to the Chester County area that she called home for the remainder of her life. She met her husband-to-be at the PA Angus Finest Female Sale in Harrisburg, PA while she was working for Frank Walton showing cattle. Dale and Carolyn were married June 28th, 1986 in Chatham, Pennsylvania. They were married for 39 years. Many smiles and laughs, even while quick-thawing steaks on the macadam road, surrounded their wedding day. They celebrated with dear friends and neighbors who most they still are blessed to know today.

She is survived by husband Dale Stoltzfus, mother Dorthy Cashman, siblings Diane DeVince and husband Frank, Laurie McWeeney, John Zyzo and wife Vennie, Robert Zyzo and wife Jennifer; her five children Jeremy Stoltzfus and wife Lauren, Nathan Stoltzfus and wife Devon, Rachel Stoltzfus, Katelyn Meulenberg and husband Gus, and Melinda Stoltzfus; and four cherished grandchildren Mallory and Jameson Stoltzfus and Faye and Clayton Meulenberg.  She was preceded in death by father Frank Zyzo and brother Frank Zyzo.

Staying in the Buck and Doe Run Valley, Dale and Carolyn raised their five children. Carolyn successfully homeschooled all of them, while Dale managed the farm for Buck Run Land & Cattle. A gentle leader with a heart to serve, Carolyn was involved in everything. She taught Sunday school, led AWANA clubs and Vacation Bible Schools, girl’s GEMs club, Good News Club, volunteered for the 4-H livestock program, sold beef for Buck Run Farm, and was even a Mary Kay consultant. She taught every subject from Algebra to Physical Science at homeschool co-ops and held “nature walks” at the farm where she had kids digging for critters in the creeks and identifying trees and insects. All this, while building a home for her family that included church, sports, 4-H, cattle, chickens, goats, and always a garden too big to keep up with. She was up early most mornings to get her quiet time in, studying her bible with a cup of hot tea. When Dale took his welding business to full-time, Carolyn stepped into the management role on the farm where she jumped head-first into soil-improving regenerative management practices and breeding a strong cow herd built to finish on grass. She could almost always be found out with the cows moving a temporary fence or setting up another. The farm was her therapy she used to say, and it’s where her heart found peace. She loved her cows and took pride in her work, although anyone who met her would call her a truly humble person.

Mom and Dad have lived on the farm for 36 years now. Although their children have moved away and started building families of their own, Dale and Carolyn have always been their children’s biggest supporters and encouragers. Their home still rings with joyful voices of their grandchildren when they come to visit ZZ and Pappy’s. Carolyn loved spending time with her growing family, reading stories to Faye and Clayton and having sleepovers with Mallory and Jameson.

She is loved by all and will be truly missed. Though she was gentle, she knew where she stood and was not afraid to give hard guidance when necessary. Many refer to her as the toughest woman they knew. She impacted lives of anyone who got to know her and shared her love for Jesus with all, while praying constantly for her family, her friends, and her community.

A true celebration of Mom’s life will be held Monday, December 22nd, 2025 at Impact Church, 101 E. 1st Ave., Parkesburg, PA 19365. A social visitation will begin at 11:00AM, with a celebratory service to follow tentatively at 12:00PM. A time of sharing during the service will be open to anyone who feels led, so please bring your stories and memories along. A meal will follow the service for all who wish to stay and continue fellowship. If Carolyn touched your life in any way, please come and share as we celebrate her time with us and her deliverance to eternity with Christ.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Impact Church by clicking HERE.