Carol Jean Zifer

Carol Jean Zifer, 85, of Dover passed away on Friday, June 21, 2024, at the Park Village Health Care Center.

She was born on June 9, 1939, in New Philadelphia she was a daughter of the late Paul and Gertrude Ball Groh.

A proud alumna of Dover High School's class of 1957, she furthered her studies at Kent State University. In the early 1970s, Carol shared her passion for learning as a first-grade teacher at Midvale Elementary School, touching the lives of many young minds with her kindness and knowledge. Carol will always be remembered as a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she sang in the church choir. Her love for music extended beyond the church walls; she was not only a singer but also skilled in playing piano and the clarinet. Carol's artistic talents shone through in her passion for ceramics, a hobby she cherished dearly. However, her greatest joy came from spending quality time with her loving family.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, George “Sonny” Zifer, whom she married on August 5, 1971. Carol leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness through her children Cara Hollingsworth-Shumaker and her husband, Keith Shumaker of Dover and Mike (Susan) Zifer of Louisville. She is also survived by her sister, Marjorie Frank of Mentor, four grandchildren, Paul Shumaker, Kylie, Maggie and Ashley Zifer; great-grandchildren, Josie and Jessa Shumaker; many brothers and sisters in law; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, June 27th starting at 11:00 am in the St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Jimmy Hatfield officiating. Interment will be in the St. Joseph Calvary Cemetery, Dover. The family will be greeting friends in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover on Thursday from 9:30 am to 10:30 am.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church at 613 N. Tuscarawas Ave., Dover, Ohio 44622 or to Crossroads Hospice at 3743 Boettler Oaks Dr. Suite E, Uniontown, Ohio 44685.