Carolyn Louise Foss, 77, of Taylor Ridge, Ill., formerly of Knoxville, Ill., died at 9:19 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026, at home in Taylor Ridge.
Carolyn was born March 5, 1948, in Moline, Ill., the daughter of Albert and Mildred M. (Powell) Landrith. She married William L. Smith on July 24, 1966, in Knoxville. He preceded her in death on December 29, 2010. On March 5, 2014, Carolyn married James R. Foss in Galesburg, Ill.
Carolyn is survived by her husband, Jim of Taylor Ridge; two daughters, Peggy A. Bainter of Galesburg and Pamela (John) Osborne of Monmouth, Ill.; three grandchildren, Stephanie (Kyle) Bresenhan, Ashley (Shane) Hammitt, and John (Vanessa) Haneghan Jr.; and ten great-grandchildren. Carolyn is also survived by three stepsons, Todd Foss of Gresham, Ore., James Foss Jr. of Destin, Fla., and Rodney Foss of Clinton, Iowa; two stepdaughters, Rhonda Foss of Milan, Ill., and Tabitha Gibson of Moline, Ill.; and many nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents and first husband, Carolyn was preceded in death by a daughter, Teresa Smith; and a stepdaughter, Karla McKeag.
Carolyn worked for many years at Knox County Nursing Home. Later she worked in the kitchen at the PEO Home in Knoxville until its closure. A devout Christian, Carolyn was very active in her service to God and community. She was a longtime member of Knoxville First Christian Church and later became a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Taylor Ridge. She had a deep love for dogs but her greatest love was that of her family. She loved nothing more than spending time with all of them. In her free time Carolyn liked to tend to her flowers and garden.
Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, January 16, 2026, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Pastor Mark Eddy will officiate. Burial will follow at Westfall Cemetery, rural Victoria, Ill. Honor guard will be provided by the Patriot Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to her churches, Knoxville First Christian Church or Zion Lutheran Church. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
