Carol Ridall Gillespie

Carol Ridall Gillespie, 87, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania. She was born on November 22, 1937, in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

Carol’s early years were shaped by a strong spiritual foundation. She accepted Christ at the age of 12 after hearing her brother, Clyde, preach—a moment that would guide her throughout her life. Carol was regularly involved with the First United Methodist Church in Chambersburg.

Education played a central role in Carol’s life. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky and later received a Master of Education in Reading from Shippensburg University.

Carol dedicated 15 years to teaching at the Chambersburg Middle School. She began by teaching remedial reading and later transitioned to Home Economics, where she especially enjoyed leading cooking classes.

Baking was more than a hobby for Carol—it was one of her greatest joys and talents. At Christmastime, she delighted friends and family with over 20 varieties of homemade cookies and candies. Her skills earned her both local and national recognition: she competed in the Pillsbury Bake-Off and received dozens of "Silver Spoon" awards from the Public Opinion newspaper in Chambersburg. Several of her recipes were published in cooking magazines, and she won several monetary awards for her culinary creations.

Carol also enjoyed sewing.  She frequently made matching dresses for herself and Kathy, and even sewed pajamas.  As a young mother, every afternoon was devoted to sewing.

Carol had a generous spirit when it came to sharing what she loved. She was known for sending birthday cards and boxes filled with carefully chosen gifts—often found during one of her legendary bargain-hunting trips. She took pride in finding the perfect items at unbeatable prices, frequently boasting about deals scored from the 75% off rack combined with her senior citizen discount. 

A devoted animal lover, Carol opened her home to as many as six cats at a time and always had room in her heart for any feline in need. She regularly stocked up on birdseed and peanuts to feed the birds and squirrels in her yard.  One Christmas she received a squirrel proof bird feeder.  Instead of being delighted with the gift, she was disappointed that this would prevent the squirrels from getting food.

Carol is survived by her step-son, Steve (Bobbi) Gillespie of Chambersburg; Kathy Anderson (David) Zimmerman of Dillsburg; and Dr. William (Mary) Anderson of Ventura, California. She leaves behind eight grandchildren: Erin (Davey) Gillespie of Chambersburg, PA; Lauren (Zachary) Gillespie of Trenton, New Jersey; Benjamin (Tama) Zimmerman of Elizabethtown, PA; Amber (Sherwin)) Forde of East Norriton, PA; Molly (Justin) Harper of Spring City, PA; Trey Anderson of Santa Barbara, CA; Theo Anderson of Chambersburg, PA; and Tristan Anderson of Coronado, CA. Carol was also blessed with twelve great-grandchildren: Titus, Eden, Aurelia, and Silas Zimmerman of Elizabethtown, PA; Talia, Gianna, and Matai Forde of East Norriton, PA; and Jade, Atlas, Justus, Ares, and Nova Harper of Spring City, PA.

She was is survived by her Sister Dorothy Ridall of Bourbanaise, IL.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Samuel Gillespie; her parents Archie and Hazel Ridall; and her siblings Clyde Ridall, Archie Ridall Jr., and Mary (Ridall) Beanie.

Carol Ridall Gillespie will be remembered for her sweet spirit—whether through a plate of cookies or a thoughtful gift. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her. Her funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 6th at the Cocklin Funeral Home in Dillsburg, PA.  The viewing will begin at 9 am with the memorial service beginning at 10 am. A graveside service will be held at Parklawns Memorial Gardens in Chambersburg, PA at noon.