Carolyn M. Haywood

Carolyn M. Haywood, 90, of Grundy Center, Iowa, formerly of Conrad, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Creekside Living - Cottages and Villas in Grundy Center. A visitation will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Abels Funeral and Cremation Services in Grundy Center. A celebration of life will take place following the visitation. A private family burial service will be held at Union Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband.

Carolyn Jean McDowell was born June 30, 1935, in Grinnell, Iowa, to Arthur O. and Mildred (Hadley) McDowell. She graduated from Grinnell High School in 1953. She then attended William Penn College, where she met her lifelong partner, Arvin Glen Haywood. The couple was united in marriage on December 23, 1955, and shared 67 years together, building a life centered on love, faith and family.

Together, Carolyn and Arvin graduated from William Penn College in 1957 with teaching degrees. They began their married life in education, teaching in the communities of Letts, Liscomb, Union and Eldora. After teaching they returned to the farm near Union, Iowa. Carolyn was a devoted partner in every stage of their journey—supporting their home, raising their family, and contributing to their life on the farm.

Faith and community were central to Carolyn’s life. She was an active member at the Union Community Church and later at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Eldora.

Carolyn had many hobbies—sewing, knitting and baking. It gave her great delight to tend to her flower garden. As a certified Master Gardener, she took pride in creating a space that welcomed family, friends and neighbors with its beauty.

But her greatest earthly joy was her family. She was deeply proud they shared a strong bond and truly cared for one another, reflecting the love and values she cherished throughout her life.

Carolyn is survived by her children: Susan (Marvin) Beneke, Peosta, Iowa; Charles (Linda) Haywood, Ames, Iowa; Carl (Priya) Haywood, Mountain View, California; and Paul (Dianne) Haywood, Union, Iowa. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Erin (Michael) Peat, Dubuque, Iowa; Jessica (Kevin) Bane, Ames, Iowa; Nicole (Garrett) Wissbaum, Scottsdale, Arizona; Emily (Merric) Haywood, Iowa City, Iowa; Thomas (Ava) Haywood, South Bend, Indiana; Spencer Haywood, Hastings, Minnesota; Nina, Kiran and Raina Haywood, Mountain View, California. Great grandchildren: Elliot, Hadley, Graham, Adelyn, Kailyn and Olivia Peat; Leilani, James, Joey and Grace Bane; and Nora Wissbaum.

In death, she has been reunited with her beloved husband, her parents and brother Raymond McDowell.

Carolyn will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Her legacy lives on through her family.