Carolyn Janet Kuser Wertz, 89, of Front Royal, Virginia, died April 2, 2024 at her home.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 2 p.m. at the Front Royal Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. R. Mark Jordan officiating.  Interment will be private.

Carolyn was born February 10, 1935 at Johnson Nursing Home on Blue Ridge Avenue in Front Royal, VA. She was the only child of the late William Thomas Kuser and Ernestine Everly Kuser.

She attended Warren County schools and graduated from Warren County High School, Class of ’53. While in school, she was on the girls’ basketball and volleyball teams.  She also attended Roller Business College and worked in the shipping department of American Viscose.

Carolyn married John Randolph Wertz on November 11, 1955. They have three children, Karen “Candy” Wertz Lang of Front Royal, William Randolph “Randy” Wertz and wife Susie of Front Royal, and Lisa Page Wertz Owens and husband David of Luray. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Chris Lang and wife Kristen, Chad Lang and wife Mary, Diane Wertz Kirk, Kevin Wertz and wife Paula, and Jessica Grigsby; two step-grandsons, David Owens and wife Angie and Andrew Owens; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Carolyn was active in many community activities.  She was a member of the Clarissa Massey Doll Club, EH Demonstration Club, charter member of the Shenandoah Valley Decorated Artist, Little League Women’s Club, Cardinals Baseball team, 4-H Leader, “Candy Strippers” Leader, Christian Women’s Club, and Activity Director at Royal Haven Rest Home. She was the owner of the Hobby House Craft Shop.

She was also an art student of Evelyn Ferris but spent most of her time working at the Front Royal Presbyterian Sunday School. She taught kindergarten at the church and physical education at A.S. Rhodes.  She was in charge of the “Fresh Air Kids” program for Front Royal.

Carolyn was a charter member of the Helltown Red Hatters and a founder of the Festival of Leaves.  She also formed the musical group “The Rusty Strings”, made up from local musicians who played for nursing homes and other organizations.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 8 from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Maddox Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Chris Lang, Chad Lang, Kevin Wertz, Dave Owens, Bruce Breeden and Adrian Craig.