Carol Traxel Marks, born on October 19, 1948, in Boonville, New York, passed away at her home in Lecanto, Florida, on August 8, 2024, with her immediate family and faithful dog, Snickers, by her side. She was the daughter of the late Glenn Traxel and Emily Millen.
Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Marks, and her brother, Ronald (Ronnie) Traxel. She is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law, Carie and Scott Summers, her devoted son and daughter-in-law, Wyatt and Julie Marks, and her treasured grandsons, Braydon, Liam, Gavin, and Weston Marks. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Faith Traxel, her aunt, Barbara Traxel, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, and many dear long-time friends.
Carol had a distinguished and fulfilling career as an educator, dedicating over 40 years to teaching in the fields of elementary education, art education, and adult education. Her passion for learning and her commitment to her students touched the lives of hundreds, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of those she taught.
Beyond her professional life, Carol was an artist at heart. She enjoyed painting, engaging in various arts and crafts, and quilting, creating beautiful works that reflected her creativity and skill. Her love for animals was evident throughout her life, as she lovingly cared for many horses, cows, and dogs over the years.
In her younger days, Carol was a trailblazer, becoming one of the few women to participate in team roping in Central Florida, with her husband Walter as the header and Carol as the healer. Together, they shared a deep love for horseback riding, fishing, and traveling across the country to explore its many wonders. Carol had a particular fascination with historical sites, especially those related to the old West, the Civil War, and the antebellum South.
Carol made Citrus County, Florida her home since the early 1980s, where she and her family built a 20-acre ranch near the Withlacoochee State Forest. In her later years, she spent her summers in Boonville, New York, in a small cabin she had built to be closer to family and to enjoy the cooler summers of her hometown.
Carol’s warmth, kindness, and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, and creativity that will be cherished for generations to come.
The family will hold a Celebration of Life at Carol’s home in Lecanto on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. The family will also hold a graveside service in the summer of 2025 at Boonville Cemetery in New York with details to be shared at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation in Carol’s memory.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” Timothy 4:7