Carolyn Rose (Erbaugh) Whittington

Carolyn Rose “Rosie” Whittington, 72, of Sabina, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, December 22, 2020, surrounded by loved ones.  She was born in Brookville, Ohio, on September 7, 1948, the daughter of the late Harold E. and Flora M. Erbaugh. Known for her smile, Carolyn could light up a room and brighten anyone’s day.  The nickname Rosie was given to her in high school due to her outgoing personality and genuine interest in the well-being of others.  She graduated from Miami East High School in 1966.  Carolyn studied for a year at Manchester College in Indiana before receiving her bachelor’s in Home Economics at The Ohio State University in 1970.  It was while participating in OSU’s collegiate 4-H program that she met Paul A. Whittington, Jr.  The two were married on June 19, 1971, at the Church of the Brethren in New Carlisle. They lived in Sabina, Ohio, where they raised five daughters and where she earned her most cherished name:  Mom.  Carolyn enjoyed her time working with The  Ohio State University Snap-Ed program where she provided nutrition education to all ages in Pickaway, Clinton, and Fayette counties.  Well after her retirement in 2012, Carolyn's creative vision left lasting impressions with the partner agencies and participants throughout the community.

Carolyn held friendships dear to her heart.  She would regularly meet with her Sabina friends, her Home Economic ladies, and her Red Hat girls.  She also made time for college friends, former students, and her ALS support group.  And, as Mom, Carolyn always enjoyed family time and slumber parties with her daughters and grandkids.

After receiving her diagnosis in 2010, Carolyn became an advocate for ALS research.  In her liaison work over the last ten years, she spoke on behalf of the ALS community.  On the national level, she educated government officials and lobbied for support.  In tandem, Carolyn participated in all possible research opportunities at Ohio State.  In our best effort to support Mom, Team Whittington was formed to raise funds for research, to participate with her in numerous ALS walks, and to travel with her to Washington DC so her experience could be one shared with national leaders.

Carolyn is survived by her husband Paul A Whittington, Jr. and five daughters: Carrie (Jon) Hogue of Circleville, OH; Candie (David) Glover of Marion, IL; Christie (Matt) Wilt of Bloomingburg, OH; Cassie Whittington of Grandview, OH; and Cherie (Nick) Campbell of New Holland, OH.  She is also survived by ten grandchildren:  Robert and Cara Rose Hogue; Ellianna, Alexa, and Bryce Glover; Gus, Clinton, and Josie Wilt; and Audrey and Halley Campbell.  Additionally, Carolyn is survived by her sister Joyce (Terry) Knight of Casstown, OH; sister Nancy (Loren) Zerkle of Goldsboro, NC; and brother Mark (Nancy) Erbaugh of Springfield, OH.  Carolyn will also be missed by Coconut, her beloved dog.

In lieu of flowers, please support ALS through the Central and Southern Ohio Chapter.  Please donate: In Memory of Carolyn Whittington - Central and Southern Ohio ALS Association - 1170 Old Henderson Road, Suite 221, Columbus Ohio, 43220.

A Celebration of Life open house is scheduled for Sunday, June 13, 2021, from 1-4 pm at the One Room Schoolhouse in Washington Court House, 213 Fairview Avenue.