Carol (Utescher) Koontz, Age 83, passed away Friday of a stroke. She was surrounded by family and went to be with the Lord very peacefully. Carol leaves a legacy of love and compassion, dedication and strength for everyone around her to use as an example. She started the CAROL KOONTZ BATON AND DRUM CORPS in 1962, although she had been teaching baton since about 1948. The original colors were navy blue and white, but changed to turquoise around 1970. She has taught and mentored thousands of youth, even up until two weeks ago when she was teaching at weekly baton lessons. Her motto was to strive for excellence. If that meant 8 hours of practice for a field competition, or hours of parade marching practice, that is what you did. Those who knew her can attest to her meticulous standards of cleanliness concerning performance wear. "Not one mark on those white tennis shoes!" One of her first performances was in the Miss Dennison, then Miss Ohio and Miss America pageants. Her talent was two - fold; classical clarinet, and fire batons! She played a classical clarinet concerto then stood up and flung off her long skirt and twirled 2 fire batons. That is so Carol. She was the first Tuscarawas girl to make it to Miss Ohio (1952) and had an eye opening experience going to Atlantic City for the Miss America Pageant. She met Marilyn Monroe, and Carol's mother gave Marilyn advice on keeping your hair curly in the humid weather. Carol kept playing clarinet after the pageants and was a soloist with the Tuscarawas County Philharmonic Orchestra for many years. But her passion was not just glamour. She had a strong faith and always tried to stay active in doing God's work. She has tried to mentor and sometimes house people who had lost their way, even putting herself in harm's way to do so. She would share stories of how God's Angels had always protected her. The Easter Play at Trinity Gospel Temple (her home church) was a passion of hers for over 30 years. She always said if one person came to know the Lord through the play, it was all worth it. Carol loved her family. They were all perfect from her perspective. She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Koontz; mother, Donna Hennis; step-father, Ted Hennis; sister, Jackie Lundenberger and brother, Walter "Bud" Koontz. She is survived by her four children, Kim Rowlands (Kathy), Kip Rowlands, Heather Miller (Leland)and Holly Flowers (Albert); grandchildren, Rick Arnold, Michael Marstrell (Emily), Jason Rowlands (Heather), Andrew Arnold (Paige), Jesse Marstrell, Tim Rowlands, Chelsea Arnold, Kirby Flowers, Max Miller, Taryn and Ian Johnston. Carol choreographed the May Fiesta's for most of her adult life. I am sure that she is in heaven teaching the dance to "The Old Routine" to anyone who will listen, and saying a hearty "Bye Neighbor" to all her friends and family. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14th in the Trinity Gospel Temple, 1612 Tuscarawas St. W., Canton, Ohio 44708. Friends may call 6-9 p.m. Tuesday in Church and one hour prior to the service Wednesday. Please sign the guest book.