Carolyn Ruth Garrison

Carolyn Ruth Garrison, 92, of Springfield, MO left this life peacefully to meet Jesus and be in her forever home on Sunday, May 5, 2024.

Carolyn, daughter of William Bryan Todd and Mary Marguerite (Turney) Todd, was born September 14, 1931 in Shelbina, MO. Carolyn had three sisters and one brother. She was raised during a time when you learned to use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without! She graduated from Shelbina High School in 1949.

She married the love of her life Billy Lloyd Garrison on June 1, 1949. To this union were born three sons and one daughter: Ronnie, Janet, Larry and Randy. Carolyn was a loving housewife and mother. She devoted her life making sure her family was happy and well cared for. Due to Bill’s job, they lived in Shelbina, MO, Hannibal, MO, Indianapolis, IN, and finally settled in Alta, IA for over 30 years. After her children were in school, she was a dedicated elementary school secretary for Alta Community Schools in Alta, IA for over 25 years. In 2000 they moved to Nixa, MO to be closer to their daughter and her family.

Bill and Carolyn enjoyed taking trips with her siblings, bowling and golfing together. They built strong family values that have been passed on to their family. Carolyn was an excellent cook and always made sure you had enough to eat. She was an exceptional seamstress and enjoyed making things for her family. She had an incredible ability to write a poem for a special event or card with ease. Carolyn enjoyed playing cards, especially Hand and Foot, with her siblings and family, playing Bridge with her friends, going on bus trips, and playing bingo and Wii bowling at The Waterford. She loved to shop, and always looked her best wherever she was going. She enjoyed going to the beauty shop and seeing Shauntai weekly! She was strong in her faith and was a member of Aldersgate Church in Nixa.

Left to cherish her memory are her four children: Ronald (Janet) Garrison of LaCrescent, MN, Janet (Bill) Siglin of Nixa, MO, Larry (Carol) Garrison of Alta, IA, Randy (Sanya) Garrison of Wesley Chapel, FL; 15 grandchildren: Kristen (Greg) Witzenburg, Ryan Garrison, Josh (Natalie) Garrison, Brandon (Kylie) Garrison, Jenni (Jason) McCarthy, Jamie (Chad) Doran, Jessica (Josh) Droegmiller, Jarrod (Jess) Garrison, Brooke (Nate) Paulsen, Katie (Shane) Holtorf, Dylan Garrison, Reagan Garrison, Skyler Garrison, Aaron Garrison, and Koty Pawlowski-Garrison; 34 great-grandchildren: Kaylee, Garret (Susan), Keagan, Carter, Ashton, Lexi, Kiera, Emma, Karly, Charlotte, Brielle, Elsie, Canaan, Decker, Thea, Cora, Ryder, Hudson, Calder, Justin, Jordyn, Rylee, Megan, Austin, Macy, Carly, Lane, Gracie, Aria, Ian, Oaklynn, Lincoln, Bowen and Piper; two great great grandchildren, Alma and Alec. Her sister Shirley King of Shelbina.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years Billy L Garrison, parents Bryan and Marguerite Todd, sister and brother-in-law Winnie and Greg Young, brother Dudley Todd, sister and brother-in-law Millie and Ray Studer, brother-in-law Donnie King, and granddaughter Nicole Garrison.

The family would like to thank her physician Dr. Marsha Taylor for her care to Carolyn. They would also like to thank Cox South 4th floor nurses, step down unit nurses and Dr. Loboti for excellent care during Carolyn's last days.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024 at Aldersgate Church, under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Nixa, with Pastor Dennis Miller officiating.