Carolyn Grimes' Obituary
Carolyn Myretta (Crouse) Grimes, 79, of Unionville, Missouri passed away at the Putnam County Memorial Hospital on Sunday, February 16, 2025, surrounded by family.Carolyn was born in rural Putnam County on August 18, 1945, the daughter of Milford and Bernadine Crouse. She attended Hill, Jones and Lucerne Elementary Schools, as well as Putnam County High School where she graduated as Salutatorian in 1963.
Carolyn married her soul mate and the love of her life, James "Jim" A. Grimes on September 1st, 1963, in Pollock, Missouri. She moved to Des Moines, Iowa, and worked at Look Magazine while Jim was serving in the US Army and stationed overseas in Korea. Upon his return from Korea, they lived a short time in Kentucky while Jim was stationed at Fort Knox. After Jim's service in the US Army, they moved to Kirksville, Missouri, where Carolyn worked at the Northeast Missouri State College (now Truman State University) in the business office while Jim attended college. They returned to Unionville in 1970 for a few years, and she worked for Dr. Dale for a short time and started a family. They then moved to Osceola, Missouri, for a couple of years, returning to Unionville in 1973. Carolyn then worked at Putnam County Health Department as the office manager for 32 years, retiring in 2007. She enjoyed working with the public and community and made many lifelong friends during her time at the Health Department.
Carolyn and Jim had 3 children, Todd, Tonya and Troy. Her passion was her family. She was genuinely kind to all who knew her. She enjoyed attending and following all her children's and grandchildren's activities and celebrating all their milestones. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with family no matter the activity, whether it be with her husband, children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, nieces/nephews and cousins. She loved cooking for, caring for, and supporting her immediate family, extended family and friends. She was a member of the Busy Homemaker (Extension) Club for many years until her health prevented her from participating. Carolyn loved games of all kinds, especially playing cards. She loved game shows as well. Carolyn was an avid St. Louis Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, and Missouri Tigers fan. Her kindness, generosity, and love for her family and friends touched all who knew and loved her.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Milford Kenneth Crouse and Bernadine Lavilla (Richards) Crouse; her beloved son Todd Alan Grimes; Father in law - Cecil Grimes and mother-in-law Betty (Smith) Grimes; sister - Polly Roof and her husband Leon Roof, sister Doris Parsons and her husband Eldon Parsons, brother Kenneth Crouse and his wife Elanie Crouse, brother - Galen Crouse, sister - Bonnie Robinson, and brother-in-law - Al Tammen; nephew - Carroll Roof, niece - Linda Roof, nephew - Steve Parsons, niece - Sherry Parsons, and nephew - Bryan Crouse; great nephew - Shon Parsons, great nephew - Tyler Crouse, and great niece - Holly Hydorn.
Carolyn is survived by her husband James "Jim" Grimes of Unionville, Missouri; her daughter Tonya (Steve) Pipes of LaPlata, Missouri, and her son Troy (Machelle) Grimes of Crestview, Florida; grandchildren: Ethan Grimes, Katelyn Pipes, Zack (Erika) Pipes, Nathan (Amanda) Pipes, Scottie (Jason) Adams, and Shayna Pendleton; great grandchildren: Gracie, Landon, Rylan, Creed, Courtlynn, Brylie, Isaac, Sean, Alayna, Naomi, Leo, and, Levi; brother- Gary (Linda) Crouse, sister - Sandra (Jerry) Crawford, brother in law - Earl Robinson; brother in law - Cecil "Jr" (Carolyn) Grimes, sister in law - Janice Grimes, sister in law- Joyce (Les) Hydorn, and sister-in-law - Jenny Tammen; Nephews & Nieces: Ronny (Virginia) Roof, Jeneen Roof, Randall (Mona) Crouse, Kendall (Holly) Crouse, Brenda Robinson, Brent Robinson, David (Debbie) Crouse, Doug (Tammy) Crouse, Chad (Racheal) Crawford, Michele (Ryan) Fowler, Greg (Karen) Grimes, Dawna (Kelly) Holdren, Mark Grimes, Kristen Burns, Matt Grimes, Shawn (Shelly) Hydorn, Tracy (Mark) Meinecke, Tiffany (Danny) Trent, and Cari (Pat) Coudron; 37 great nephews and nieces; as well as numerous loved ones including aunts and uncles, great-great nephews and nieces, cousins and friends.
Memorial Services and Celebration of Carolyn's life will be held at the Thomas Funeral Home, Unionville MO on Saturday, February 22, 2025, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM and funeral services following at 11:00 AM. The family requests any memorial donations be made to the Putnam County Health Department and entrusted to the Thomas Funeral Home, 709 S 27th ST, Unionville, MO 63565.
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