Judith Lynn Carie, of Wheatland, Indiana, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the age of 84. Affectionately known as Lynn, Mom, Aunt Lynn, or Grammy Lynn, she lived a life overflowing with purpose, generosity, and love. Her loud laughter, warm embrace, and unmistakably vibrant personality left a lasting imprint on all who were blessed to know her.
Lynn was born on April 7, 1941, to Marceline (Mayall) and Lester “Dutch” Hinkle of Monroe City. The second youngest of five children, she learned early the value of family, faith, and perseverance. She graduated from Monroe City High School in 1959 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education from Indiana State Teachers College, now known as Indiana State University. Lynn devoted her early professional life to teaching physical education and English, educating students at Cannelton, Vincennes Lincoln and North Knox High Schools—serving in roles that suited her boundless energy and love for young people, including cheer sponsor.
On July 5, 1969, Lynn married William “Bill” Carie of Vincennes, on what family and friends still fondly recall as one of the hottest days imaginable. Together, they built a home filled with love and laughter. Their family grew to include their three sons—CJ, Anthony, and Gabriel—as well as Lynn’s niece Pat, who was embraced and loved as a daughter in every way that mattered.
Lynn devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her children. One of her greatest joys was attending her sons’ countless sporting events at South Knox and beyond, where her enthusiastic and unmistakable cheering could always be heard—often accompanied by a little “assistance” offered to the officials. Her commitment to education and community extended beyond her own family as she proudly served on the school board at South Knox from 1983 to 1987.
A constant and guiding force throughout Lynn’s life was her deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ, and later, her tender devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Raised with a strong Christian foundation, Lynn leaned on her faith through life’s many joys and challenges. She eventually felt called to join Bill and their sons in full communion with the Catholic Church, a decision that profoundly shaped the remainder of her life. As her children grew older, Lynn took on the role of Director of Religious Education at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and later at St. John’s Catholic Church, both in Vincennes. Through these ministries, Lynn touched countless lives—children attending Sunday school or Vacation Bible School, adults deepening their faith, and those, like herself, journeying into the Catholic Church. She had a rare gift for making everyone feel seen, supported, and truly welcome, no matter where they were on their spiritual path.
As their family lovingly expanded through marriages and the arrival of grandchildren, Lynn’s heart grew even fuller. Becoming “Grammy” was one of the greatest joys of her life, and spoiling her grandchildren quickly became her most treasured mission. To say she succeeded would be a tremendous understatement.
Bill and Lynn’s faithful service to the Church was formally recognized by the Catholic Diocese of Evansville in 2008, when they were honored with the award and admission into the Bruté Society, which recognizes superior commitment in living a life of Christian stewardship. Lynn further deepened her spiritual journey by making Cursillo #66 in 2004.
Lynn will also be fondly remembered for her cherished collection of angels and her love of sports—especially watching the Indiana Pacers on television or listening to the Colts on the radio while perched at her kitchen window on Sunday afternoons, soaking in the comfort of home and routine.
Lynn is survived by her beloved husband Bill; sons CJ (Melinda) Carie, Anthony (Nichole) Carie, and Gabriel (Candice) Carie; niece Pat (Dennis) Carnahan; grandchildren William Carie, Eli Carie, Lauren Carie, Gretchen Carie, Grace Carie, Nora Lynn Carie, Anthony Gonterman, Jasmine Gonterman and Brooklyn Walburn; great-nephews John (Ashley) Carnahan and Ben (Kierstin) Carnahan; sister Mary Bratton; brother-in-law Paul (Robbie) Carie; and many other nieces and nephews who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Ritchie Hinkle; sisters Patty Martin and Madge Brocksmith; sister-in-law Carolyn Bilskie; and great-nephew Philip Carnahan.
There will be a visitation on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church with a rosary service at 3:30 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 7, at 12:00 pm at St. John’s Catholic Church, with Father Gary Kaiser, Father Don Ackerman and Father Tony Ernst officiating. Lynn will be laid to rest at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made either to the South Knox Education Foundation or to the St. Francis Xavier Building Fund. Online condolences may be shared at www.fredrickandson.com. Fredrick and Son McClure-Utt Funeral Home, Vincennes Chapel, is honored to be entrusted with Mrs. Carie’s arrangements.
