Caryl Guth, who provided scholarships to the women’s golf and basketball programs, tragically died on Monday.
Guth helped establish the Center for Integrative Medicine at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in 2003.
Before that, the dedicated anesthesiologist worked in the Mill-Peninsula Hospital System in California for over 30 years.
She also worked as an instructor at Radboud University in the Netherlands and as a fellow in anesthesiology at Queen Victoria Hospital in Sussex, England.
Caryl was also a member of the Wake Forest Medical Alumni Association, serving as president from 2005 to 2006. She provided scholarships to the women’s golf and basketball programs.
During her immense philanthropic effort to Wake Forest University, she helped pave the way for the advancement of women’s athletics, including providing the lead gift for the on-campus Dr. Caryl Guth Women’s Basketball Clubhouse dedicated in her honor.
She also served on the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame selection committee and led the Demon Deacons onto the field for the opening game of the 2022 football season against VMI as the first Open the Gate honoree of the season.
Dr. Caryl Guth Tragically Passed Away, Leaving Everyone Devastated
Dr. Caryl Guth, who helped pave the way for generations of Demon Deacon student-athletes, took her last breath on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the age of 89.
However, the cause of death has not been revealed yet.
Wake Forest University’s vice president and director of athletics, John Currie, released a statement and mourned the loss of Dr. Caryl Guth. He wrote,
“Dr. Caryl Guth was a trailblazer whose extraordinary vision, generosity, and spirit will continue to shape Wake Forest University for generations to come. Her unwavering commitment to medicine and integrative health helped position our School of Medicine on the leading edge of innovation, while her passion for advancing women’s athletics made a lasting and personal impact on countless Demon Deacons.
John Currie
Moreover, women’s Golf head coach Kim Lewellen also offered heartfelt condolences by stating,
“I have been fortunate to know Dr. Guth for 18 years. She exemplified the example of a strong woman, and she was a woman who set the barometer high. When she spoke, you listened, and when she gave advice, you took it. If you were wanting to reach past what you thought you could do, having a conversation with her would move you to action. Caryl will be missed dearly, and her legacy will continue here at Wake Forest University through our students who were touched by her life and her story.”
Kim Lewellen
Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Dianne Dailey said,
“Dr. Caryl Guth was one of the kindest and generous people I’ve ever known. She was a true pioneer — in her medical career, in support of women, and especially here at Wake Forest. As an outstanding athlete in the 1950s and later a passionate advocate for our programs, she remained deeply involved and made a lasting difference.
Dianne Dailey
Other close ones and relatives have also poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Caryl’s family to stay strong in this heartbreaking moment.
Caryl will always be remembered for her unforgettable contributions and philanthropic works at Wake Forest University.
The funeral service schedule for Dr. Caruly Ruth will soon be made available by her family.
To honor Guth’s legacy, memorial gifts may be directed to the Wake Forest women’s athletics program. Rest in Heaven, Dr. Caryl Guth.
Dr. Caryl Guth Had Two Children With Her Husband, John Falstad
Born in 1935, Dr. Caryl Guth was married to John Falstad. However, their exact marriage date has not been revealed yet.
Sadly, Caryl lost her husband, John, to an acute medical anomaly.
As per the source, they were blessed with two children, David C. Guth of Champaign, Illinois, and one granddaughter, Christy L. Ross.
Caryl had four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, whose identities have been kept private.
They are also mourning the death of their supportive and devoted mother, Dr. Caryl Guth.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Caryl’s mother, Helen Whitaker Guth, 96, died Friday, November 21, 2003, in Advance following a brief illness and many years of pain. She was the widow of the late Rev. Walter C. Guth, a former pastor of Elkin Valley Baptist Church in Elkin.
- Caryl grew up with her brother, Wendell L. Guth, of Holland, Michigan.
- She had been an instructor at Bowman Gray School of Medicine, a member of the board of science and policy advisors for the American Council on Science and Health, and a holistic and integrative medicine physician.
