Carol Strong

Carol Jean Strong, 75, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was born on March 16, 1951, in Loogootee, Indiana, to Mary and James Cannon.
Carol married Gilbert Strong Sr. on February 14, 1969, and together they had five children: Kitty Strong,  Angela Nichols, Michelle Strong, Sherri Strong, and Gilbert (Heather) Strong Jr.
She is survived by her sister, Pauline Trawick; her grandchildren, Tiffany (D.J.) Ellsworth, Douglas Strong, Ashley Strong, Sara (Brent) Jacobs, Mary Strong, Kyle Strong, Christopher (Kayla) Nichols, Johnathan (Brittany) Nichols, Serenity Strong, Gabe Strong, Jonny Strong, Jessica (Andrew) Gayer, Kenneth Gayer, Robert (Lucy) Gayer, Joshua Smallmen, Joey Smallmen, and Lindsey Claxton; and her great-grandchildren, Anastasia, Sebastian, Chelsey, Maddilynn, Shiloh, Memory, Levi, Malachi, and Ezra.
Carol will be remembered for her immense love of animals. There was never a cat or dog she didn’t want to bring home and make her best friend. Her beloved dogs, Lola and Daisy, were especially dear to her and will surely miss their daily head scratches.
Carol had many little things that made her uniquely herself. Not a day went by without her favorite instant coffee, made with four creamers, three sugars, and, of course, no ice. Halloween was her favorite holiday, and she loved passing out candy to the neighborhood children. She enjoyed fishing whenever she could and never turned down a good plate of liver and onions.
Carol spent many years working at the Indiana State Fairgrounds concession stands, where she loved meeting new people and making connections. She also worked at the Kitley Speedrome concession stands, a place that held a special meaning for her because her beloved “Big Gil” used to race there.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Mary H. Frost Cannon and James Cannon; her siblings, Margie Williams, Donna Pinnick, James Cannon, Audrey Faunce, and Lucille McCallister; her ex-husband, Gilbert Strong Sr.; her best friends, Ann and Angie Littlefield; and her beloved daughter, Sherri Strong.
Carol leaves behind a family who loved her deeply and countless memories that will be cherished forever. Her love for her family, her animals, her simple joys, and her one-of-a-kind personality will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Written graciously by the Warden.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carol Strong, please visit our floral store.