Mary “Carolyn” Allen Gardenhire 83, of Strafford, Mo, left this life on October 1, 2021. Carolyn was born in Galoway, Mo on May 20,1938 to Virchel Allen and Jewel (Blair) Allen. Carolyn attended Locust Prairie School through her childhood and later in life enjoyed telling stories of her days in the little one room school house. She went on to graduate from Strafford High School in 1956. On November 4, 1957, Carolyn was united in marriage to Norman “Gene” Gardenhire and to that union two children were born. Carolyn supported her husband, children, granddaughter and great-grandchildren as a homemaker. Helping her family and spending time with them was her greatest joy.

Carolyn attended Bass Chapel Church and dedicated her time to several offices in the Locust Prairie Extension Club. She was also a proud member of the Strafford chapter of the T.O.P.S. club where she made many friends.

Carolyn enjoyed traveling and went on many bus trips with friends. She would return home and enjoy sharing all of the stories and pictures of the places she had been and loved bringing her family gifts from her journeys.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents Virchel and Jewel (Blair) Allen, her husband Norman “Gene” Gardenhire and her son Dale Lynn Gardenhire.

Carolyn is survived by her brother Lynn Owen Allen and wife Raelene, daughter Carol Jean Rowden and husband Stephen, granddaughter Glenda Jean Brower, great-granddaughter Amilia Jean Brower, great-grandson Ethan Joseph Brower, a very special cousin Mariona Henshaw, three nephews and one niece and their families, and a wide host of friends.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to her three loving caregivers Becky Yarbrough, Ruth Murrell, and Marilyn Horton and to all of the staff at F.A.I.T.H. Hospice Care.