Carolyn Diane Naas

Carolyn Diane Naas, of Dayton, Ohio, a resident of Spring Hills Singing Woods, passed away on November 4, 2026. She was born on August 18, 1954, in Dayton, to the late Louis and Elizabeth Kleiner, and spent her life rooted in the community she called home. In addition to her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence "Larry" Naas.

Carolyn attended Patterson Co Op and graduated from Tecumseh High School. She later worked at Bill Knapp’s, where she was part of the working life of her community. More than anything, Carolyn will be remembered for the way she lived for the people she loved. Fiery in spirit and deeply devoted, she was a great mother whose dedication to her children shaped the heart of her life.

She found joy in the things she loved most and embraced them wholeheartedly. Carolyn was an avid Cincinnati Reds fan and especially loved Pete Rose. She loved horses, most especially her own horse, Gypsy, and her connection to the horse world was an important part of her life. Carolyn worked at several family farms, helping to care for the horses. She was a member of the Central States Horse Show Association and the Southern Ohio Quarter Horse Association. Gifted with her hands, Carolyn was a great seamstress who enjoyed quilting, and she poured that talent into the lives of her daughters by making their Halloween costumes and horse show clothes. Her love for animals was constant and wide-reaching, and she cared for them with the same warmth she gave to so much of her life. Coming from a big Catholic family, she carried with her the strength, closeness, and sense of devotion that such a family life can inspire.

Of all her accomplishments, Carolyn considered her family her proudest. That devotion was evident in the care she gave, the traditions she created, and the love she stitched into everyday moments, whether through the clothes she made, the passions she shared, or the steady presence she offered to those closest to her.

Carolyn is survived by her daughters: Valerie Leonard (Kevin), Joni Specht (Brent) and Erin Welbaum (Dave); grandchildren: Duncan and Aidan; brothers and sisters: Dennis Kleiner, Joe Kleiner, Louise Allen, Tom Kleiner, Kathy Pratt, Mary Avery, David "Buck" Kleiner, Michele Ricketts and Matthew Kleiner; brother-in-law and sister-in-law : Norman and Cheryl Naas; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Carolyn will be remembered with love for her strong spirit, her generous heart, and the deep care she gave to her children, her animals, and the many passions that filled her life. Her memory will live on in family stories, in the beauty of things made by hand, and in the enduring love she gave so freely.

A memorial mass is being planned for a later date.

Contributions may be made in Carolyn's memory to any animal organization of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Newcomer Funeral Home, North Chapel, 4104 Needmore Road, Dayton. To share a memory of Carolyn or to leave her family a special message, please sign the online guestbook provided.