Carolyn Ann Slaughter
1938-2021
Carolyn was born and raised on a farm in Churdan, Iowa to Clarence and Esther Smith. She loved to tell stories about her early days in her parent’s and grandparents’ old farmhouses. She was guarded against COVID but succumbed to multiple cancers in her body. She passed away surrounded by extended family from six different states. Her siblings were brother Gerry Smith (deceased) and sister Miriam Peters. Carolyn was musically talented, honored as a member of the Iowa All-State Orchestra and received a Bachelor of Music Education from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. With these credentials, she taught piano and flute and provided accompaniments to many young musicians.
In Iowa, she married David Lohr and during their Air Force assignments around the world, bore four children, sons Phillips Lohr and Steven Lohr, and daughters Elizabeth Koolbeck and Stephanie Cooper. Later in life she became mom to stepdaughters, Becky Frey and Lee Jeannet when she married Jim Slaughter in 1996. Carolyn met Jim in 1992, while she was a widow of Tom Lilly (deceased 1990). Carolyn is survived by husband Jim Slaughter; sister Miriam (Smith) Peters; all of her children and their spouses: Elizabeth (Lohr) and Greg Koolbeck, Steven and Alicia Lohr, Stephanie (Lohr) and Alan Cooper, Phillips and Betsy Lohr, Becky (Slaughter) and Jason Frey, Lee (Slaughter) and Ryan Jeannet; and all 17 grandchildren: Daniel, Sarah, Benjamin, David, Peter, Matthew and Joy Koolbeck; Mary and Suzanna Lohr; Andrea, Cathy and Caroline Cooper; Elliot, Gracie, Vanden and Bryceon Lohr; and Charles Frey. Carolyn is preceded in death by brother Gerald Smith; nephew John Peters; and former husbands Tom Lilly and David Lohr.
She retired from the State of Oklahoma Employment Service in 2004, where her creativity, independent thinking and organizational skills gave her a long and successful career. After retirement, she spent many years visiting family, and enjoying her love of cruise vacations up to fourteen times with her beloved husband, Jim. She added to her circle of friends with civic organizations, working as an officer in a local book club. She also was incredibly supportive of her husband’s work with Masonic youth and appendant Masonic organizations. She also loved supervising her husband’s work in her flower gardens. She was described as a warm and “classy lady” by all who knew her. As her class Valedictorian she maintained many lifelong friendships to include her high school classmates of 1956.
After cremation at Matthews Funeral home, there will be an in-person memorial service at 10am Monday, March 8th at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel.
We will be live streaming this service in an effort to accommodate those people that wish to attend but feel they should not due to health regulations. To watch the service CLICK HERE to go to our YouTube page. Click on ‘Videos’, then ‘Live Streams’.
This is a beautiful description of a beautiful life, well lived. Our friend, Carolyn, will be greatly missed.
I am truly sorry, Carolyn was an amazing woman.
Sending our sincerest condolences to Jim and the Slaughter family. May God give you peace during this difficult time. Please let us know if you need anything at all.
So very sorry for your loss, Jim. May the Lord give you strength for the days ahead and may your wonderful memories comfort you. Mike and Janet
So very sorry. She was a fun, nice lady. Blessings to Jim and the Slaughter family. God bless.
God Bless you and your family, Jim. Although you and I have been friends all of our lives, we only got to enjoy Carolyn the few times we met. We thought she was a great lady.
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you during this difficult time. Love, Judy Williams Schiefer
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. A life time together is never enough. Our thoughts and payers to the Slaughter Family. Jim and Joyce
Jim, So sorry for your great loss. Carolyn was a great lady and you two were so great together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Karen James
Carolyn was such a warm and lovely lady. When we met in your home for a neighborhood meeting a year ago before Christmas, she was so gracious in putting together a refreshment buffet for us. She exemplified great hospitality. From the minute I met her, I knew she loved people, especially Jim. I am so sorry for you all. May the Lord surround with His peace and comfort as you celebrate a life well lived.
My heart goes out to you. I wish that there was more to say but just know that you are admired and may God‘s strength comfort you. Blakie
Jim,
Wishing you peace and praying you are wrapped in loving memories of your wife. It was our pleasure to have known Carolyn and very much enjoyed her travel stories during wine share.
Ken and Christie Stoops
Carolyn was always such a kind and caring person. The world needs more people like her. She will be missed by all that knew her.
Jim Carolyn was an awesome lady! I know you and your family will miss her very much. Enjoy all the wonderful memories of Carolyn. I will pray for peace and strength for your family. With my deepest sympathy.
So sorry to hear of Carolyn’s passing. May God be with the family during their intense time of grieving. She was a lovely lady.
Carolyn is my mom’s cousin. To me she was always so people-centered, humorous and adventuresome. Although we did not see each other very often, it was always memorable when we did. In particular I think of being snowed in at the Churdan farm one Thanksgiving and the fun we all made out of the unexpected weather event. Another Thanksgiving when I was far from home in Nebraska, I spent the day with Carolyn, her brother Gerry and sister Miriam. It is with thanksgiving to note that she led a full life and a life well-lived. My deepest condolences.
We’re very sorry to hear about Carolyn’s passing. The time Carolyn and you were with us in Colorado was very special. May the Lord comfort you and give you peace.
I will always remember Carolyn on Valentine’s Day. Her kind and generous offer of including me will never be forgotten. It included a scrumptious meal with all the extras, including fine wine. She was a classy lady who set a beautiful table and made me feel so very special. What a thoughtful gift from a lovely neighbor and friend. Thank you Jim for being our server and for the laughs.
Carolyn was the kind of person that you loved to be around. She had a gift of graciousness & the loveliest of smiles that made you feel welcome & important. The two of you were one of the classiest couples we’ve ever known. We feel deep sadness for your separation, but realize Carolyn is still with us in spirit & will be reunited one day. Our deepest respect & prayers are with you Jim, & Carolyn’s entire family.
We have wonderful memories of a good hearted and well loved lady. Our memories with Carolyn and Jim spans over many years where we shared many laughs and meals together. Carolyn will certainly be missed and may God blessings be with the family.
Jim, you and your family are in our prayers as you grieve. You can be assured Carolyn is now singing in the choir of angels.
May God’s grace surround you.
I have great sadness for the family’s loss. My heart goes out to Jim Slaughter.
Jim, my heart is broken for the loss of my dear friend Carolyn who was always a shining star in my life. Carolyn was such a beautiful, talented, kind and genuine friend. I always so admired both of you and your beautiful life together. I truly believe that Carolyn is smiling down from heaven at you right now, knowing how much you love her and telling you it is okay, one day you will be together again. I am praying for you my friend.
Jim so sorry to hear about Carolyn, from all the thing you posted on facebook you seem to be so good together, what wonderful memoirs you have made together. I hope that helps you to get thought this time, but know there will be a big emptiness in your heart forever. God Bless.
Phyllis