Obituary of Carol Smits

Retired Chief Master Sergeant Carol Smits, a proud veteran of the US AirForce & Reserves, passed away May 12, 2024.  She grew up in Pennsylvania and moved to Loveland, CO after joining the AirForce.  Soon after her retirement, she moved to Pensacola, FL. where she started a pet sitting business effortlessly making lifelong friendships with the pets as well as their owners.  Carol loved to have fun and she had the gift of making any activity exciting and memorable.  Her service to others was beyond amazing.  She was known for her selfless acts of kindness to those in need, whether you thought you were in need or not.  Carol was never late, she never showed up empty handed, and she always had a prayer, an anecdote or an encouraging message to share with you.  Carol had a passion for serving her Church, community and friends.  Carol loved to travel and explore the world.  She was always eager to learn and never afraid to try something new.  She loved visiting and spending time with her family in Colorado.  And was planning to move back to Colorado to be closer to her family later this fall.  She was a highly decorated non-commissioned officer, and the highest- ranking female officer at the time she retired from the military.  She was a beloved sister, aunt & friend who will be missed dearly by all.

Carol was proceeded in death by her parents Al & Helen Barnes, a brother in-law Raymond G. Brandt.  Her surviving family members, Sister; Marie Eileen Brandt, Nieces; Deborah Vodjansky & Karolyn Ringus, Nephew; Joseph R. Brandt & Fiancé Carey Kogl.  Great Nephews; Joseph Vodjansky & Fiancé Chelsea Mattoon, Benjamin (Bea) Ringus & Fiancé Sierra Place, Sr. Airman Christopher B. Ringus & Kaelen Brandt.  

A service honoring the life of Carol Smits will be held June 1, 2024 at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 3200 N. 12th Ave, Pensacola, FL  32503 at 11:00am CST.    

The family will have another funeral service to honor her wishes in Loveland, CO later this summer. 

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