Caralee Hursey

Caralee Joan Hursey, 91, of Cromwell, left this life on Saturday, June 22, 2024, with the love, support and prayers of family and friends. She was born on Nov. 24,1932, to Clint Ott and Edna (Harlan).

Caralee was preceded in death by her husband, Dwayne William “Bill” Hursey; her three sons, Clint, Harlan and Tim Hursey; grandson, Clint Hursey Jr.; son-in-law, Meadowlark Lemon; and her six siblings.

Vibrant and adventurous, Caralee was the youngest of seven children. After graduation, she married her high school sweetheart on Valentine’s Day 1952. The next day, Bill went to serve in the Navy and eventually in the Korean War. Caralee stayed in Indiana at first, serving as a nurse’s aide and then joined her husband in San Diego while he was stationed there.

Back in Indiana, Caralee excelled in business while also being a capable homemaker with four children during a time she affectionately referred to as The Roaring ’50s. Possessing a talent for refinishing and restoring antiques, Caralee opened Hursey’s Trash to Treasures antiques, which became a hot spot for antique enthusiasts for decades.

Caralee was highly active her entire life, enjoying ballroom dancing, travel, music and concerts. She was passionate about her community and friendships, visiting those who were in the nursing home or sick. She had a smile that could light up a room, and in her way, made an impact on many lives.

A woman of faith, she cherished the promise of eternity with Jesus and seeing all her loved ones again. The family would like to thank Greencroft Goshen, Goshen Hospital and Hospice of Goshen for their compassionate care during Caralee’s short stay there. They would also like to thank all our family and friends for their support and prayers, and her wonderful church family at Wawasee Lakeside Chapel.

Caralee is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Lemon, and Cynthia’s children, Jamison, Angela, Crystal, Caleb and their families; by her daughter-in-law, Renee (wife of Harlan), and their children, Samantha and Curt Hursey, and their families; daughter-in-law, Johanna (wife of Clint Sr.); granddaughter, April Golden (daughter of Clint Sr.) and her family; and the surviving children of Clint Hursey Jr.

Services will be held Thursday, July 11, with visitation from 6-7 p.m., at Eastlund Funeral Home in Syracuse. Pastor Brad Cox of Wawasee Lakeside Chapel and lifelong family friend will officiate the service.