Carol June (Haugh) Winders

Carol June Winders, 97, of Smithsburg, Maryland, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at her family farm.

She was born June 28, 1928, at Waynesboro Hospital in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania.

Carol was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billie E. Winders; her parents, William F. Haugh and Margie B. Haugh; two brothers, Glen F. Haugh and Richard B. Haugh; and one sister, Jean B. Angle.

She is survived by her sister, M. LaRue McKenzie; her brother, W. Lanny Haugh; her daughter, Kim Winders; and her son, Kirk Winders (Ann Low). She also leaves behind four grandchildren, Toby Long (Robert Higgs), Zachary Long, Kirklyn Winders (Lindsey Winders), and Brielle Getridge (Austin Getridge); five great-grandchildren, Tiernen and Gracen White, Bexley and Braelyn Getridge, and Haisley Winders; along with many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Carol was a standout athlete during her high school years, excelling in basketball and often scoring more points than the opposing team combined. While attending school, she worked at May’s Tea Room in Waynesboro and enjoyed spending afternoons at the local movie theater. Like many young people of her generation, she loved roller skating, which ultimately led her to meet the love of her life, Bill. After marriage, the couple enjoyed bowling together in a Smithsburg league.

Carol and Billie were married on December 26, 1948. She left her comfortable city upbringing behind to begin life on a farm in Smithsburg, moving into a farmhouse without modern conveniences as she embraced her new roles as wife, mother, homemaker, and farm partner.

Over the years, Carol worked at Frick Company in Waynesboro, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Dr. Hess’s office in Smithsburg, and later served as a teacher’s aide with the Washington County Board of Education.

In addition to working outside the home, Carol devoted herself to farm life and family. She learned how to sew and made clothing for herself and taught her daughter how to sew. She maintained a large garden, spending countless hours canning and freezing food for her loved ones. She worked alongside her husband and later her son milking the family dairy herd. In fact, she was milking cows the very morning she gave birth to her first child. Carol was also a devoted grandmother who played an active role in helping care for and raise her grandchildren.

Faith and community service were central to Carol’s life. She spent many years caring for the grounds and sanctuary at Beard’s Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. She also attended Chewsville Church of the Brethren, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Leitersburg, and was most recently a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Smithsburg.

Carol was deeply involved in her community. She volunteered at local voting polls and, alongside her husband, was an active member of the Washington County Young Democrats Club. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Smithsburg Volunteer Fire Company and the Cavetown Homemakers Club. Carol helped organize the annual Scholarship Fair, which provided educational opportunities for deserving young women, and she co-led the Smithsburg 4-H Club, supporting and mentoring local youth for many years.

For many years, Carol hosted the annual Haugh family holiday luncheon between Christmas and New Year’s. The gathering became a cherished tradition, bringing together extended family and friends for fellowship, laughter, and lasting memories.

Until the very end, Carol always wanted to stay busy and helpful, asking each day what she could do for others. As the beloved matriarch of her family, she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Davis Funeral Home will handle the funeral arrangements. Family and friends are invited to a viewing at Beards/St. Peter’s Lutheran Church from 1:00–2:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service from 2:00–3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in honor of Carol J.H. Winders to Trinity Lutheran Church or Beards Lutheran Church.

Arrangements were made by J.L. Davis Funeral Home, Smithsburg, MD and online condolences may be offered at www.jldavisfh.com.