Carla Jane (Vessell) Hyten, 60, of Troy, IL, formerly of Belleville, IL, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2014, at The Coliseum Medical Center in Macon, GA, with loving family by her side. Carla was born on May 28, 1954, in Belleville, a daughter to John and Hester (Summers) Vessell.

Carla was a 1972 graduate of Belleville East High School. She furthered her education at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville; earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1976, and a Master's Degree in Speech Pathology at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, in 1977. She retired from the profession of education after serving 23 years, 1977 to 2000, as a speech pathologist in Edwardsville Community Unit School District, No. 7.

Carla married William Hyten on March 29, 1980, at the First Presbyterian Church in Edwardsville, IL. She was a member of Christ Church in Fairview Heights, IL.

Carla greatly loved spending time with family, particularly her son,Ty, as well as her two stepchildren, Shelli and Michael and their families; and her five grandsons. Furthermore, she was an avid reader, and enjoyed travel, bible study, arts and crafts, cooking, helping others, and the many special times shared with her husband, family, and friends boating at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Carla was an extraordinary wife and mother, but perhaps will be best remembered for her unequalled courage, determination, and positive attitude she demonstrated while battling multiple sclerosis for more than 32 years. She often made special trips to provide hope and encouragement to those facing new MS and brain cancer diagnoses.

In addition to her loving husband Bill, Carla is survived by her mother, Hester Vessell of Belleville; son, Ty Hyten of Denver, CO.; stepdaughter, Shelli (Mark) Cowling of Edwardsville; stepson, Michael (Olivia) Hyten of Broomfield, CO; sister, Paula (Jack) Schrand of Belleville; brother Steve (Wendy) Vessell of Belleville; sister- and brother-in-law Jill and Michael Allaria; five grandsons: Sawyer and Charlie Hyten, and Will, Sam, and Dillon Cowling; many nieces, nephews; and extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Sunset Hill Funeral Home in Glen Carbon, IL. Family and friends may call from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7, 2014.

In celebration of her life, a memorial service will be held at Christ Church in Fairview Heights at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2014, followed by burial at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon.

Memorials are suggested to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Christ Church of Fairview Heights, and African Vision of Hope. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.sunsethillcemetery.com.