Carolyn Calkins

(From Knell Mortuary)

Carolyn Kay Struble Calkins passed from this earthly place, Sunday, August 8, 2021, and joined her parents and siblings in the loving arms of her Heavenly Father. Carolyn was born May 20, 1940, in Mapleton, Iowa. She was the fifth child of Ethel Mae Livengood and Edward Ford Struble. 

When she was a young child, her family moved to a farm in Castana, Iowa. It was there that she learned the ways of farm families. She combined her school activities with her farm chores. Through the local community church, she became a faithful servant of the Lord. 

After high school graduation she joined her older sister, Erma, moving to Sioux City, Iowa, to procure a paying job.

While working in Sioux City, she met a young Air Force Lieutenant, Thomas Calkins. He convinced her that he would be her ideal mate. They were married October 24, 1964. This marriage was to last a lifetime. Together they raised two sons and a daughter. Their early married life took them to California, then to Cape Cod, Massachusetts and finally, in 1970, to Denver, Colorado. 

After the kids were all in school, Carolyn became a school bus driver for the Douglas County School District. She loved her job and enjoyed the kids who rode her bus. After 21 years, she turned in her bus keys and retired. Her husband soon joined her in retirement. Together they moved to Reeds, Missouri in 2004. 

Carolyn enjoyed being outdoors and loved her flower beds and big garden. She was always the happiest when she had her fingers in the dirt. She loved her family and enjoyed family gatherings with lots of good food and good family fun. She was a super Mom, loving wife and a doting grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Erma Adams; and two brothers, Donald and Stanley. Her husband survives at the home. She is also survived by her son, Kent D. Calkins and wife Dana of Centennial, Colorado, son Todd T. Calkins and wife Pamela of Haslett, Texas, and daughter Kari R. Calkins of Webb City, Missouri. Her surviving siblings are her brother, Wayne of Sioux City, Iowa, and sister, Alyce of Denver, Colorado. She also is survived by seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held 10 am, Saturday, August 14, 2021, at Knell Mortuary, Carthage, Missouri. She will be laid to rest 10 am, Monday, August 16, 2021, in the peaceful family Kennebec Cemetery in Monona County, Iowa. 

Memorial gifts are suggested to Carthage Crisis Center or Watered Gardens, Joplin, Missouri, in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.