Carol Ann Elizabeth Tilotta

Carol Ann Elizabeth Tilotta, 84, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026.

Born on May 21, 1941, in Des Moines, Iowa, Carol spent the majority of her life as a proud south sider, deeply connected to her community. She met the love of her life, Frank C. Tilotta, at the Fanny Farmer Candy Store, where Carol worked, and they were married on July 9, 1960. Together, they shared a remarkable 65 years of marriage, a testament to their enduring love and commitment.

Carol lived a life marked by kindness and humor. She had a special gift for making everyone she met feel comfortable, welcomed, and valued. Her warmth, humor, and genuine compassion left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Carol especially enjoyed spending time with her sister-in-law Rosie (John), her mother and father-in-law, her brother-in-law, Vic, and all her nieces and nephews through the years, creating many treasured memories together.

She chose to retire from her various career jobs, including McDonalds and KVI Insurance, in order to devote herself fully to what mattered most—her family. Carol found great joy in cooking, (especially her family meatball recipe) tending to her flower and vegetable gardens, spending time with her cherished dog, Fredo, and creating lasting memories with her family and beloved grandchildren, Hunter and Maddie. She also cherished the time she spent with her “bonus family,” Sarah (Jimmie, Lucia, and Lana) Maldonado and Susannah (Travis, Annabelle, and Sam) Seipel.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings.

Carol is survived by her loving husband, Frank C. Tilotta; her sister, Loretta Kisch of Moberly, Missouri; her sister-in-law, Rosie Antol of Des Moines; her children, Francis (Terri) Tilotta, David (Sally) Tilotta, and Michele (Frank Kiener) Tilotta; her grandchildren, Madeline (Will Asher) Tilotta and Hunter (Sydney) Roszak; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family would especially like to recognize the remarkable and caring staff at Accura Healthcare of Carlisle and Suncrest Hospice. They became Mom’s second family, and the journey was made much easier with them walking beside us.

A private family memorial service, and Carol will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Des Moines, Iowa.

Carol’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and the simple joys of life. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those fortunate enough to have known her.