The early morning hours of Sunday brought unimaginable sorrow to families and friends in Ames, as two beloved women lost their lives in a tragic single-vehicle crash on Interstate 64 near the Wayne-Jefferson County line, just east of Mount Vernon.
Carmie Sills, 61, and Theresa Leibold, also 61, shared not only their hometown but a lasting friendship that now leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who knew them. Their lives were cut short far too soon, and their passing has deeply affected the community that cherished them.
Authorities reported that the crash occurred at approximately 3:57 a.m. Preliminary findings indicate the vehicle left the interstate for reasons still under investigation and struck a tree. Carmie Sills, who was driving, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Theresa Leibold was transported to SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital for emergency medical treatment. Despite the dedicated efforts of healthcare professionals, she later succumbed to her injuries.
As investigators continue working to determine what led to the vehicle leaving the roadway, loved ones are left grappling with profound grief. While questions may remain, what stands unquestioned is the lasting impact both women had on those around them.
Carmie Sills is remembered as a woman of strength, warmth, and steadfast devotion to her family and friends. She was known for her reliability, compassion, and quiet resilience. Her presence offered comfort and stability, and her memory lives on through the countless lives she influenced with her kindness.
Theresa Leibold is remembered for her gentle spirit and genuine care for others. Friends speak of her generosity, her laughter, and her ability to make people feel valued and understood. She built meaningful connections rooted in sincerity and love, and those bonds remain strong even in the face of loss.
Together, Carmie and Theresa shared decades of friendship, life experience, and cherished memories. Their passing is a tremendous loss not only for their families but for an entire community woven together by shared moments and enduring relationships.
As Ames reflects on their lives, loved ones hold close the joy, loyalty, and compassion that defined them. Though their journey ended tragically, the love they gave and the example they set will continue to resonate.
They will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and lovingly honored in the hearts of all who knew them.