Carol Riddle Kasten

Carol R. Kasten, 87, of Eden passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 8, 2024.

She was born May 21, 1937 in Draper to the late Preston Jennings Riddle and Martha Jane Riddle.

Carol graduated from Tri-City High School with honors in 1955 and received an academic scholarship to Wake Forest University. As a young woman she began working with Fieldcrest, and based upon aptitude, she was soon offered a job in the newly created data processing department. Over the next 42 years, she was involved in nearly every aspect of the company and held many increasingly responsible positions before she retired in 1998 as a Vice President.

Carol had an equally active career in civic work in Eden. In the late 1970s she became a part of the Friends of Eden Library. In 1980, she became a member of the local Salvation Army Board of Eden. While serving in many capacities, she always held the Angel Tree Program first in her heart – bringing Christmas Joy to countless families in the area. She also served as chairperson of the Advocates of Eden group and was a founding member of the Rockingham County Education Foundation. She was a longtime member of the Morehead Hospital Board of Trustees and the Morehead Hospital Foundation. In 2020, in recognition of her many years of devoted service, she was honored with a Lifetime Member award by the Salvation Army Advisory Board. 

Carol is survived by her husband of 66 years Jerry L. Kasten, beloved daughter Kelly Kasten Stultz and husband Lee, granddaughter Liz Tucker and husband Adam, grandson Spencer Stultz and partner Andrea Gillie, great-granddaughters Avery and Grace Tucker, cherished godson Matthew Ryan Kasten, and step-great-grandchildren Malachi and Genesis Gillie.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Betty Riddle Worsham and special aunt Myrtle Riddle Blackwell.

In accordance with her wishes and her lifelong love of entertaining, the family will receive friends at a gathering to celebrate her life on Saturday December 28, 2024 between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. at Leaksville United Methodist Church (603 Henry St).