It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carol Austin of Granite City, Il on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Our beloved Carol succumbed to a 47-day illness at Barnes Hospital surrounded by loved ones.

Carol was born to Harold and Ella (Marose) Vollmer on November 8, 1941, in St. Louis, Mo.

Carol was a 1960 graduate of Granite City High School. Carol married the love of her life, William (Bill) Austin, in Granite city, IL on March 31, 1966. He survives.

In her younger years, Carol worked at Barnes Hospital medical records department and for Famous Barr collections department. Aside from being an excellent homemaker, in later years she enjoyed her job at Circulation Development before taking an early retirement to focus on her dream role as a loving grandmother.

Carol loved her family and friends beyond words.  Carol had a heart of gold and never met a stranger. She lived for spending quality time with her family and amazing friends.  She loved being colorful and fashionable and never left home without her bling.  She had a contagious smile and incredible sense of humor and brought joy and laughter every time she entered a room.  She was a lover of all animals, big and small and the best mother and grandmother under the sun.

She is survived by her loving husband; William, her 2 children; Dr. Todd (Eugena) Austin of Virden, Il., her daughter; Julie (Nathan) Randall of Mitchell, IL., her 5 grandchildren; Taylor (Ben Rapp) of Edwardsville, IL., Austin (Leah Paxton) Randall of Glen Carbon, IL., Ava (Daniel) Kloppe of New Berlin, IL., Zorah (Josh Atchisson) Austin of Virden, IL., and Aegea Austin of Virden, IL. She is survived by sister; Joyce (Peter) Spies of Bonne Terre, MO., sister-in-law; Beverly LeBeau of Crestview, FL., brothers-in-law; Larry (Judy) Austin of Wildwood, MO., and Stephen Austin of Granite City, IL., and many loving nieces and nephews whom she loved so deeply.

She was preceded in death by both parents, a brother; Donald Vollmer, sister; Juanita Boone, sister-in-law; Arleen Fransen and nephews; Steven Vollmer and Russell Boone.

Memorials may be made in honor of Carol to the APA Animal Shelter in Granite City, IL. Or the American Red Cross.

Family will receive friends from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Sunset Hill Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be held 11:00am, Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Sunset Hill Funeral Home.

The family is being served by Sunset Hill Funeral Home, 50 Fountain Drive, Glen Carbon, Illinois  62034.