Martha "Carole" Gatrell

Martha “Carole” Gatrell

Age 87, longtime resident of Novi, passed away March 27, 2022. She was born on December 21, 1934 in Sistersville, West Virginia; daughter of Delmas and Irene (Michael) Knowlton. She graduated from Sistersville High School; Class of 1952. Carole was united in marriage to Jack Roy Gatrell on December 28, 1952; they spent 68 years loving one another until his death on July 30, 2021.

A devoted homemaker, Carole took wonderful care of her family and home.  She was an exceptional seamstress and sewed everything from clothing to draperies.  A talented quilter, she used her skill to volunteer with Novi Needlers, a group that made quilts for the neo natal ICUs and veteran shelters in the area.  An avid bowler, Carole participated in several leagues throughout the years.  She enjoyed getting dressed up to go square dancing with her husband.  Carole loved to garden and had beautiful perennial beds around her home, as well as a large vegetable garden.  She adored her grandchildren and shared with them all the things that brought her joy.  She cherished the time they spent together bowling, baking, and going on picnics.

Carole is survived by her loving daughters, Teresa Whitlatch and Karen (Trish Webster) Gatrell; her grandchildren, Alesha, Angela, Amie (Derek), Amanda (Adam), Justin (Anchen), and Trevor (Joy); her great grandchildren, Rorey, Macieo, Darrien, Preston, Nico, Taaron, Cameron, Derek, Alivia, Ben, and Annabel; and her great great granddaughter, Noelle.  She was preceded in death by her husband, her son Steven Gatrell, her son-in-law Robert Whitlatch, her parents, and her brothers Richard Knowlton and Jim Knowlton.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 30, 2022 from 10:30 a.m. until Noon with a Funeral Service at Noon at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.  Pastor James N. McGuire will officiate the service.  Mrs. Gatrell will be laid to rest next to her husband and her son at Oakland Hills Memorial Gardens in Novi.

Memorial contributions would be appreciated to the Angela Hospice , 14100 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI 48154.