East Amherst, NY - EAST AMHERST - Carolyn L. Ames Ingalls, 90, passed peacefully March 7, 2026 in Amherst, at her daughter's residence.

She was born June 23, 1935 in Richfield Springs, the youngest of six children, to the late John and Vera (Slaughter) Ames.

She came to live with her sister and brother-in-law, Verna and Robert Higbie in Wells Bridge, when she was in high school. Carolyn graduated from Unadilla High School in 1953.

She married her high school sweetheart, Richard, and together they settled in Afton, where she helped him establish a successful veterinary practice. After raising four children, she completed the following degrees: BS in business economics from SUNY Oneonta, an MBA from SUNY Binghamton, and an MS in counseling from SUNY Oneonta. She was a beloved assistant professor of business and economics at SUNY Oneonta for 20 years.

She believed in giving back to the community, serving in various capacities, including as a member of Afton Emergency Squad, Afton Central School Board, VFW Auxiliary, SERTOMA, Methodist Youth Fellowship and a volunteer at NYS Veterans Home Oxford. In addition to her volunteerism, she enjoyed photography, art, gardening and working out at the gym. She loved spending time with family and friends. After retiring, she and Richard moved to their adored home on Perch Pond where she enjoyed being surrounded by nature.

Carolyn will be remembered for her infectious smile and quick wit, never ending energy and her devotion to Richard.

She is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, Richard "Doc" Ingalls; four children, Ann (Mike) Donner, Cindy (Mark) Buckley, Debbie (Brad) Pollak and Mark (Linda) Ingalls; grandchildren, Julie (John) Wiant, Amy (Cory) Vaillancourt, Andrea (Brent) Billings, Amanda (Shawn) Mooney, Emily (Adam) Gramowski, Brandon Pollak and Walter Ingalls; great-grandchildren, James, Anthony, Benjamin, Kerrianne, Finnegan, Mikaela, Felix and Toby, and sister-in-law, Sharon (Phillip) Henry.

A private celebration of life was attended by family. Carolyn was a lifelong learner. Donations in Carolyn's name can be made to BGA Dollars for Scholars. https://buy.stripe.com/00gaEJ86m3V3f4s9AA or mailed to 43 Greenlawn Avenue, Bainbridge, NY 13733

Do not stand at my grave and cry. Live, love and laugh-laugh a lot.