Carol Sue Elstro Reynolds-McCashland of Liberty, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025 at Reid Hospital in Richmond, at the age of 74.  Carol was born on December 15, 1950, in Richmond, to Howard “Jack” and Joan Loschiavo Elstro.  

Carol was a proud 1968 graduate of Richmond High School as well as a 1972 graduate of Ball State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in education.  She returned to Ball State to complete her master’s degree in education in 1974.  

Growing up in a politically active family meant that Carol was very aware of her commitment to helping all people in the community. Carol inherently adopted her father’s attitude of activism and philanthropy, especially for those less fortunate or marginalized.  She took what she learned from him and used her gifts to help others.  This included a 42 year career in education at Liberty Elementary School, much of which was spent leading the teacher’s union to protect bargaining rights and protection of her colleagues and students.  She was instrumental in organizing and executing the 1985 Union County Teachers Strike. After her retirement, she devoted her time to the Union County Public Library, serving on the library board as well as helping with the monthly Reminisce Program and Summer Lunch Program.

Carol is survived by her husband Kenneth McCashland and their children and their spouses Erin (Joshua Phenis), Colin (Ellen) Reynolds, Sarah (Eric) Lynch, and Levi (Jennifer) McCashland.  She also leaves behind her “grands” who she would tell you are “worth 10 of their parents”: Jackson Phenis, Alexandra Bennett, Brigitte (Sam), Henry, Howard and Marigold Reynolds, Dillon (Cierra) and Owen Miller, and Carly (Ryan), Katie, Cassidee and Jonathan McCashland, as well as a great-grand, Cade Miller.  She was also blessed with a bonus grand in Paul Moffett thanks to his parents, Erika Davis and Karl Moffett, whom she loved as her own. 

Nothing made her happier than everyone knowing that she was an Elstro.  She is also survived by her beloved brothers Howard John (Cris) Elstro, Michael (Janet) Elstro and Timothy (Vicki) Elstro. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved and adored. Other surviving relatives include her sister-in-law Alicia Colglazier and her children and grandchildren. 

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents and nephew, Michael Gregorash. 

Friends and family may visit on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Urban Winkler Liberty Funeral Home 310 N. Main St., Liberty. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 10:30 am at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church with Reverend Dustin Boehm officiating, where she was a devoted member. Burial will follow in West Point Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Friends of the Library at the Union County Public Library, reflecting her lifelong love of books and passion for reading and literacy. 

To sign the online guestbook or to leave the family a personal message, visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.

Paid obituary.