Carol Wood, 81, of Mitchell, SD passed away Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Firesteel Health Care.  A private family service will be held.

Born January 1, 1940 she was Mitchell, South Dakota's New Year's baby.  Carol attended school in Jamestown, ND; she finished school in Sioux Falls, SD and until her death kept in touch with two very close classmates.

She was beautiful, funny and well loved.  Her laughter was contagious and could be heard down the hallway.  She loved watching basketball, doing a word search, playing bingo, going on mile walks, and she had a passion for decorating hangers.  Carol enjoyed spending time with her large extended family who affectionately referred to her as "Auntie Carol Ann".  She was truly one of a kind and will be oh so missed more that words can express.

Having been born with cerebral palsy, doctors suggested she would only live five years.  Instead, she lived an additional eight decades and in doing so served as an inspiration.  She did not allow the condition define her and remained proud of her independence throughout her long life.  Being young at heart she has truly enjoyed life.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Solomon and "Gladys" Wood, her brother, Harlan Wood, and sisters, Mary Ella Wood (Kuehn), Willa Wood (Bohnenkamp), Fran Wood (Pell), Florence Wood (Hesse) and Jessie Wood (King).

She is survived by her sister, Gladys "Dot" Wood (Styles) and her brother, Herb Wood.

We have lost a great friend, sister, and Auntie.  May she live on in our hearts, actions and closet hangers.