Carol Joy Lally

Carol Joy Lally was born on September 13, 1947 to Wayne and Viola Ranniger in Manning, Iowa. She graduated from Manning High School with the class of 1965 with whom she recently celebrated their 60th class reunion. Following graduation, she went on to obtain her Bachelor's degree from Briar Cliff College in Sioux City.

On June 12, 1971, Carol married the love of her life, Joseph Lally at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manning. To this union, three children were born: Joseph James "JJ" II, Micha, and Meghan. In their life together they lived in Lake City, rural Denison and ultimately to their current home in Denison which they have lived in for almost 40 years.

Over the years, Carol enjoyed teaching in Manning, being a tour guide for Farmland Foods, teaching preschool at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, serving as director of Kiddie Kampus Preschool and finally dedicating 17 years to Walmart as a cashier. She retired in 2012.

Carol really loved the color purple, sometimes even buying things not because she liked the items or needed them, but because they were purple. She was rarely seen without a book, often a romance novel by authors like Danielle Steel or Nora Roberts, and she loved tuning in to the Game Show Network, especially to watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!. A frequent visitor to the casino, Carol enjoyed trying her luck on the Lighning machines. She delighted in attending her grandchildren's sporting events, school concerts, and other activities, cheering them on with enthusiasm. She enjoyed watching her beloved Chicago White Sox, including her favorite, Paul Konerko. She took pleasure in playing cards and winning at euchre. Cookbooks were a joy to collect. Her happy place was the front porch swing, where she could relax and take in the day.

Her heart was even bigger than her love of fun. Carol was deeply devoted to her faith, praying daily to St. Jude and never turning down a request for prayer. She cherished her family, especially her grandchildren and two great-grandsons, and had a way of making everyone feel welcome and valued. Known for her gift of gab, she could strike up a conversation with anyone. She loved music, especially Elvis, The Beatles, and Neil Diamond, and her all-time favorite song was Solitary Man. Dancing to Bob Seger's Old Time Rock & Roll was a favorite wedding song request. Carol's kindness, joy, and unwavering love for others left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Carol passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at her home in Denison surrounded by her family attaining the age of 77 years and 11 months. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Viola Ranniger; her in-laws, John and Regina Lally; and brother James Ranniger.

She is survived by her husband, Joe; children, JJ (Elizabeth) Lally of Orland Park, IL, Micha (Patrick) Herbst of Dakota Dunes, SD, Meghan (Christopher) Wellsandt of Lockport, IL; 7 grandchildren, Brooke (Travis) McGlauflin, Claire Herbst, Domenick Herbst, Reece Wellsandt, Shane Wellsandt, Tyler Wellsandt, Joseph James "Joey" III Lally; 2 great-grandchildren, Pierce & Chance McGlauflin; brothers, William (Deb) Ranniger of Manning, IA, Gaylin (Jan) Ranniger of Manning, IA, Royce (Kathy) Ranniger of Sioux City, IA; many extended relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family, where distribution will be made to various organizations, mom so loved, including the LaLa Project, St. Jude’s Hospital, along with others.