Carol Felton Beaty

Carol Felton Beaty died at the age of 90 on December 19, 2024 in Madison Wisconsin with family at her side. Family was everything to her and we were privileged to accompany her in these last days with the same love and devotion she showed us her whole life.

December was Carol’s month. She was born at home on a snowy day December 23, 1933 in LeSueur, Minnesota and was married to Gordon Beaty on a snowy day December 17, 1960 in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. It is fitting and comforting to her family that she made her transition to her next adventure on yet another snowy day. She loved everything about the holiday season – decorating the house, accompanying Gordon on solos for the church choir, playing the piano for the children’s choir, and working with the altar guild to provide a special season at church.

Besides her family and friends, her loves were music, teaching, children, and children’s literature. She was known for her generosity. Everyone knew her as the neighborhood “Girl Scout cookie mom” and she was always willing to volunteer for whatever was needed.

Carol graduated from LeSueur High School, attended Macalester College and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Elementary Education. She met her husband of 64 years, Gordon Beaty in Puerto Rico where he was in the Air Force, and she was teaching kindergarten on the base. 

Carol always wanted to have a baby and adopt a baby. Ann (Beaty) was born in 1963 and Laura (Ryan) was adopted in 1969. In addition to her husband and daughters she is survived by her daughter-in-law Carol Kreuscher, son-in-law Jonathan Ryan, grandsons Julian and Jon Ryan, and other relatives and friends.

In lieu of services, we encourage you to listen to some beautiful music in her memory. Because Carol had a heart for serving others, we ask that donations go to a charity of your choice or her church home in Madison. First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1609 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53726.

There are many who cared for Carol in her progression with Alzheimer’s. Our deep gratitude goes to the staff at Oakwood Prairie Ridge, particularly those in the Knoll Memory Care Unit who cared for her with love and dignity since May 2021. She is humming her hymns now with the angels.

Please share your memories of Carol by posting in her Guestbook.

Cress Funeral Services

1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie

(608) 837-9054