Carolyn Jo Irvin
Carolyn Jo Irvin, 81 of Zanesville, passed away peacefully in the presence of her loving family at Genesis Hospital on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
She was born on November 11, 1944, in Zanesville, a daughter of the late Warren and Betty (Kovaleski) Lent. Carolyn worked at Franklin Local Schools for more than eighteen years, retiring in 2003. She also devoted herself to her family as a loving homemaker, taking great pride in keeping a warm and welcoming home. Carolyn was a member of Jonathan Creek Gospel Church.
She was the heart of our family and a steady presence in the lives of all who loved her. A woman of deep and unwavering faith, she loved Jesus with her whole heart and lived that faith every single day. For 61 beautiful years, she was married to the love of her life and together they built a marriage rooted in Christ, trust and quiet devotion. They walked through life as true partners, raising ten children side by side and always presenting a united, loving front. Our home was filled with laughter, prayer, music, hard work, and pure joy. The love and respect they had for one another set the standard not only for our family but for everyone who witnessed their life together.
She raised us with gentle strength and steady conviction, teaching us to love God, care for others and be kind. Her faith was not something she only spoke about, it showed in her patience, her generosity, her forgiveness and in the way she made people feel safe and valued. Decades ago, she wrote down a simple quote, “Be beautiful if you can, wise if you want to, but be respected, that is essential.” Today, that worn slip of paper is just so fitting of her life. She was beautiful in spirit, wise in counsel and deeply respected by all who knew her.
She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love and a family forever shaped by the beautiful marriage she shared with our dad. We take comfort in knowing that Mom has by now heard the words “Well done, good and faithful servant”.
Carolyn is survived by her beloved husband, David Irvin, whom she married on June 27, 1964; her ten children, Regina (Thomas) Hartman, Becky (Bruce) Wigal, Shelley (Jack) Hobart, Dave (Jennie) Irvin, Betty Dobbins, Daren (Julie) Irvin, Beth (Jed) Crooks, Don (Kelly) Irvin, Doug (Noel) Irvin, Mary (Eric) Cassady; her precious grandchildren, Seth (Andrea) Hartman, Zach (Alyssa) Hartman, Jacelyn (Brandon) Shifflet, Ethan Wigal, Jessica Osborn, Heath (Maddi Sims) Osborn, Kate (Brett) Hutchison, Victoria Hobart, Sarah (Louie) Reicher, Emily (Landen) Revennaugh, Kip Moore, Kolt (Molly) Moore, Seth Dobbins, Skyler (Mason Dozer) Irvin, Sydney (Connar) Back, Kaitlyn (Alex) Clark, Kaleigh (Todd) Dobbins, Kaleb Morrison, Shelly (Jordan Wheeler) Irvin, Chloe (Carter) Spung, Stihl Irvin, Lauren Irvin, Laney Irvin, Kristen Irvin, Cora Cassady, and Raylan Cassady; her great-grandchildren, Ainzley, Emersyn, Barrett, Harper, Bjorn, Etta, Paisley, Natalie, Hunter, Alessi, and three more great-grandbabies on the way; her brother, John (Frances) Lent; her sister-in-law, Shirley Lent; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.
In addition to her parents, Carolyn is preceded in death by her siblings, Warren “Butch” Lent, Mary Lent, and Patricia Hardy; her son-in-law, Tim Dobbins; her mothers-in-law and fathers-in-law, Lou and Margaret Metz and Wayne and Mary Irvin.
Please consider making donations to the Jonathan Creek Gospel Church, which can be done by writing a check in their name to, 5700 Bagley Road, White Cottage, Ohio 43791.
Visitations for Carolyn will be held from 3 PM to 7 PM on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the Farus Funeral Home of Duncan Falls. A funeral service will take place the following day, Tuesday, at 11 AM. Pastor Steve and Jamie Harrop will officiate the service. Carolyn will be laid to rest in Duncan Falls Cemetery.
