Carol Virginia Seeley Muntz was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1939 to Howard and Gladys Seeley. She was the eldest of three children, followed by her brothers, Howard and Daniel. After moving several times during childhood, she graduated from high school in Dearborn, Michigan, and enrolled at the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts. She completed her undergraduate studies at Wayne State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in education.
In 1963, she married John Muntz and immediately became—and always remained—part of the extended Muntz family. Carol and John welcomed their first daughter, Sarah, in 1967. In 1970, they moved to Cincinnati, where Carol taught at Runyan Elementary School in the Princeton City School District. Their second daughter, Laura Joy, was born in 1972, and Carol continued teaching art as a substitute in the Princeton district. She earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Cincinnati in 1976, with a minor in African American studies. In 1977, the family moved to Auckland, New Zealand, for a life-changing year abroad.
After returning to Glendale in 1978, Carol and John went their separate ways. Carol then began a career of more than 30 years teaching art in the Winton Woods School District, primarily at Winton Forest Elementary School. Throughout her life, she was constantly engaged in creative projects: sewing and knitting for family and friends; painting canvases, walls, and even squirrels for the Village of Glendale Squirrely Gig; basket weaving; enameling; cross-stitch; and crochet. Clay, however, was her favorite medium. A lifelong potter, she found great joy and satisfaction in creating with it.
Peace, justice, and service
Carol’s greatest passion was working for peace through social justice. She devoted many years to CRISPAZ—Christians for Peace in El Salvador, originally known as the Cincinnati Coalition for Public Sanctuary. Her involvement began with efforts to provide sanctuary for refugees seeking asylum from the civil wars in Central America during the 1980s. Carol traveled to El Salvador nearly a dozen times and returned from every trip with a renewed sense of spiritual fulfillment.
Her other volunteer commitments included the Glendale Lending Library, Glendale Heritage Preservation Museum, Princeton Music Boosters, Girl Scouts, Cincinnati Public Schools, Heritage Village Cincinnati, and philanthropic activities through Delta Kappa Gamma. She also exercised her constitutional right to demonstrate in support of women’s rights, fair housing, and many other causes.
“This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of Nature….”
- George Bernard Shaw
Family and remembrance
Carol passed peacefully in her sleep on July 6, 2026, after a day of good spirits. She is survived by her daughter, Sarah E. Muntz; her brothers, Howard W. Seeley (Barbara) and Daniel B. Seeley (Judy); her nephew, David Seeley; and her niece, Dana Seeley. She was predeceased by her daughter, Laura J. Muntz.
Carol had a strong sense of right and wrong, of justice and injustice, and worked throughout her life to remove barriers of inequality. She believed God had placed her on earth for a purpose. By the time she passed, she had indeed worn herself out working in His name. Carol is now joyfully reunited with her parents, beloved friends and family, and especially her daughter, Laura.
Memorial donations
In memory of Carol, please consider a donation to one of the following organizations:
CRISPAZ—Christians for Peace in El Salvador: Make a gift through the CRISPAZ donation page by clicking here and indicate that the donation is in memory of Carol Muntz.
Delta Kappa Gamma: Donations will support Cincinnati-area students and teachers. Please mail a check to:
Delta Kappa Gamma
c/o Bunny Doebling
1410 Mallard Cove Dr. #4304
Cincinnati, OH 45246
Memo: Carol Muntz Memorial Fund
Service information
Services will be held at Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum in early fall. Additional details will be shared when available.
