Carmie Sills & Theresa Leibold Obituary, Death; The early morning hours of Sunday brought profound heartbreak to the community of Ames, as two cherished residents 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, were longtime friends who shared not only a hometown but decades of memories and close bonds. Their sudden passing has left families, friends, and neighbors struggling to comprehend the loss of two women who meant so much to so many.
According to authorities, the crash occurred at approximately 3:57 a.m. Preliminary reports indicate the vehicle left the roadway for reasons that remain under investigation before striking a tree. Carmie Sills, who was driving, was pronounced dead at the scene. Theresa Leibold was transported to SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital, where medical teams worked tirelessly to save her life. Despite those efforts, she later succumbed to her injuries.
As investigators continue to determine what caused the vehicle to leave the interstate, loved ones are left facing overwhelming grief. While unanswered questions remain, the impact both women had on their community is beyond doubt.
Carmie Sills is remembered as a woman of strength, warmth, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends. Known for her reliability and quiet resilience, she was a source of comfort to those around her and left a lasting impression through her compassion and steady presence.
Theresa Leibold is remembered for her gentle spirit, generosity, and heartfelt care for others. Friends recall her warm laughter, her ability to listen, and the way she made people feel genuinely valued. Her kindness fostered deep and lasting connections that continue to endure even in loss.
Together, Carmie and Theresa shared a lifelong friendship rooted in loyalty, shared experiences, and love. Their passing represents a tremendous loss not only for their families, but for an entire community bound together by shared history and enduring relationships.
As Ames reflects on their lives, those who knew them hold tightly to memories filled with compassion, joy, and friendship. Though their journey ended in tragedy, the love they gave and the lives they touched will continue to resonate for years to come.
They will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and lovingly honored in the hearts of all who knew them.