Carol A. (Imfeld) Hartman, age 96, passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Optimized Senior Living in Fairfield, OH. She was born in Hamilton, OH on March 9, 1930, the daughter of Aureal D. and Laura L. (Lewellyn) Imfeld Sr.

Carol was a 1948 graduate of Notre Dame High School and a 1952 graduate of the University of Cincinnati, where she lettered in three varsity sports; tennis, basketball, and volleyball.

On July 27, 1955, she married James C. Hartman at St. Stephen Church (now St. Julie Billiart Church). Lifelong residents of Hamilton, Jim and Carol were both very active members of the Butler County community.

Carol began her athletic career at age thirteen, when she began playing softball and tennis competitively. For eleven years, she played softball in the Women’s Fast Pitch Industrial League in Hamilton.

Her basketball career spanned eighteen years, including the Butler County Basketball League where she played on 6 city championship teams; A.A.U basketball, where she played with Whitey’s, winning the state championship in 1948; and with Wiedman, winning the bachelor of Arms Tournament in Buffalo, NY; and in 1952, winning the Inner City League in Cincinnati. In addition, she played several years of semi-pro basketball in the 1940’s with the Cincinnati Pepsi Cola Girls.

Carol was an active tennis player for 50 years and participated in city tournaments for six decades. She was in 26 city finals, winning ten championships including singles and doubles in four age brackets. She was the only player to win a championship in every age category.

At the Elks Country Club, Carol was a six-time club champion, winning five doubles championships and six mixed doubles titles.

As a high school coach in the Talawanda School District, she had outstanding teams in basketball, softball, and volleyball, losing only one game in five years in regular season play. Her team won the Butler County Volleyball Tournament Championship in 1955, 1956, and 1957.

In 1948, she was named the most Outstanding Female Athlete in Hamilton, OH by the Journal News Sports.

For 40 years, Carol served on the Butler County Hall of Fame Committee. She was also inducted into the Badin High School Hall of Fame, the Talawanda High School Hall of Fame, and the Butler County Hall of Fame.

Carol achieved in sports what few other athletes—male or female—have ever accomplished.

A mentor to her students, Carol was beloved by them. Many kept in touch with her through the years. She was a unique person who accomplished so much in her life. She will truly be missed.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, James Hartman; parents Aureal D. and Laura (Lewellyn) Imfeld Sr.; a brother, Aureal Imfeld Jr.; and two sisters, Marian Beckman and Arlene Coldiron.

She is survived by many nieces and nephews, and many caring friends, including her lifelong best friend, Betty Terry.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks for the special care given by Northstar Hospice and Optimized Senior Living.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 16, 2026 from 12:00pm-1:00pm in the Zettler Funeral Home, 2646 Pleasant Ave. Prayers will be offered Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 1:00pm in the Zettler Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 1:30pm in St. Julie Billiart Church. Burial will follow in St. Stephen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Julie Billiart Church or Northstar Hospice.

Online register book at www.zettlerfuneralhome.com.