Carolyn Rae (Jones) Petersen, 86, of Griffith, passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Community Hospital in Munster. She was born on June 26, 1940, in Lincoln, IL, to the late Raymond Jones and Francis (Wilmert) Buckholtz. 

Carolyn is survived by her children, Danny (Penny) Petersen, and Tena (Brett) Grooms; grandchildren, Trisha (Greg) Oboy, and Brion Grooms; great grandchildren, Madelyn Grooms, Avery Grooms, Landon Weller, Grady Oboy, Teagan Oboy, and Grayson Oboy; siblings, Shirley Davis, and Larry Beals; sister-in-law, Mic Jones; and a loving host of extended family and friends. 

In addition to her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her siblings, Beverly Shanley, Jerry Jones, Leona Smucz, and Darwin Jones, along with her brother-in-law, Jim Davis. 

Carolyn enjoyed playing card games with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, especially Dubble Bubble Bingo, and attending yard sales. She also was passionate about her vegetable garden and loved sitting on her swing in the summertime at her home. Most importantly, time spent with her family and friends was the highlight of her life, especially when it came to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Carolyn will best be remembered as a loving and generous mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. She, along with all the love and joy she shared, will be deeply missed by all who knew her. 

In accordance with Carolyn’s wishes, a private cremation will take place. Calumet Park Funeral Chapel of Merrillville has been entrusted with Carolyn’s cremation arrangements.