Carolyn Ruth Sprowls, 81, of Mexico, passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at The Arbors at Lakeview Bend.

Memorial Services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 8, at the Mexico United Methodist Church. Visitation is Monday from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church. A private burial will be in East Lawn Memorial Park.

Carolyn was born on January 1, 1943, in Paso Robles, California, the daughter of George Giles and Mary Frances (Yokley) Hawkins. On August 9, 1964, at Mt. Carmel Church in Saline County, Missouri, she married Lynn Edwin Sprowls. They were happily married for 46 years. Lynn passed away on July 2, 2011.

Carolyn was a 1961 graduate of Marshall (Mo.) High School. She then obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Educational Science from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Carolyn started her teaching career as a chemistry teacher in Union Mo and then at North Callaway High School.  For 29 years, she taught math at the Mexico Junior High School.  When asked what she loved about middle school teaching she would respond that middle school children were so teachable and eager to learn.  Any stranger that met Carolyn on a vacation or other event would know within the first few minutes she was a teacher.  Teaching was truly her life and passion.  She was from a family of teachers with 4 of her 5 siblings being career teachers.  Her daughter, Julie, has been teaching in Mexico for 24 years.  Her oldest, Beverly, works as an environmental educator for the National Park Service.  Teaching was a life passion that she shared and encouraged everyone in her life to consider.

When Lynn and Carolyn moved to Mexico, MO in 1967 she found her faith community at the Mexico United Methodist Church.  She was active with the James Circle and volunteered with various events in the church that impacted the community of Mexico.  Carolyn remained strong in her faith her entire life.

In her free time, she was active with the Prairie Pine Quilt guild.  She gifted many quilts to friends and family.  A baby quilt was often ready for new arrivals.

Carolyn loved to travel out west with her family.  She loved the mountains and the wildlife of the west.  She and Lynn made over 30 visits to Yellowstone National Park.  She enjoyed many trips with her family all over the US.

Survivors include two daughters, Beverly (Shane) Fry of Ft. Collins, Colorado, and Julie (Chuck) Duncan of Mexico; four grandchildren, Bridger Fry and Hudson Fry, both of Ft. Collins, Colorado, and Zellen Duncan and Rynn Duncan, both of Mexico; two sisters, Mary (Frank) St. Clair of Ozark and Sandy (Jim) Alieksaties of Ulman; and two brothers, Jim (Mary Jane) Hawkins of Kansas City and John (Lynn) Hawkins of Lake of the Ozarks.

In addition to her husband, Lynn, Carolyn was preceded in death by one sister, Georgeanne Cooksey; and one brother, Giles Hawkins.

Survivors also include many nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to the Audrain County Area Public School Retirees or the Alzheimer's Association.  Both may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, MO 65265.