Born Carole Lynne Nutt in Warren, Ohio in 1938, she moved with her parents, Frances and Lynn, to Youngstown, Ohio where she graduated from South High School in 1956. She attended Bowling Green State University, Ohio and earned a degree in Home Economics. In 1960, she married Thomas Gerken at St. John's Episcopal Church in Youngstown, Ohio. She supported Tom throughout his 28 year Air Force Career while living in many U.S. states and also Taiwan. In 1981, their final Air Force posting had them finding their forever home and Carole's dream house in Vernon Center, New York. Upon moving to Vernon Center, she became a valued member of the Vernon Center Volunteer Fire Department's Auxiliary and a member of two antique tractor clubs. Carole is survived by her husband, Tom, her three children: Scott, Heidi and Dean, and her sister, Jan Phillips of Piqua, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Vernon Center Volunteer Fire Department. Calling hours will be at Malecki Funeral Home in Vernon, NY on Tuesday July 20th from 4 to 6pm, followed by a service.