Carolyn (Bowles) Frick, 92, a long-time resident of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away early Sunday morning, October 6, 2024 in St. Louis, Missouri.

The daughter of William Thomas and Lilly Gooby Bowles III, she was born December 31, 1931, in Wewela, South Dakota. On August 28, 1954, in Kansas City, Missouri, she was united in marriage to Vance Ragland Frick of Lexington, Missouri.

Preceding her in death were her parents, husband and two brothers-in-law, Harold Hennebold and William Frick. Surviving are a daughter, Karen Frick; a son and daughter-in-law, Christopher Frick and JoAnn Frick; four grandchildren: Vance (Samantha) Frick, Kayla Frick, Diana Frick, and AJ (Shannon) Garcia; five great-grandchildren: Adalyn Frick, Aster Frick, Delilah Roark, Dawson Stringer and Bruce Garcia; one sister Marilyn Hennebold; two nephews: Brad (Julie) Hennebold and Robert (Vikki) Watkins III; four nieces: Melanie (Derald) Bachmann, Michelle McCollam, Patricia Felsten, and Theresa (Darryl) Levings.

Carolyn grew up with a strong work ethic on the family ranch in South Dakota. Her 92 years spanned decades that took her from riding her horse miles to school to marrying Vance, who flew a fighter jet during the Korean War. After high school, she attended South Dakota State University, but left the area to develop her artistic talent at the Kansas City Art Institute. She worked for Hallmark Cards, and later as an engineering draftsman for Howard, Needles, Tammen and Bergendorf in Kansas City. These jobs combined her artistic talent and mathematical skills.

After she and Vance moved to Kirksville, Carolyn completed undergraduate studies with degrees in Art and Mathematics and a master’s degree in Mathematics from Truman State University and taught mathematics part-time at the junior and senior high schools. Intrigued by computers, she became an early adapter and became one of the first women to teach computer science at Truman State University.

Always a problem solver and because she suffered from lifelong food allergies and was deeply sympathetic with others who suffered from similar issues, Carolyn became a founder and part owner of Kirksville Country Store, one of the first health food store in northeast Missouri. For many years, the store successfully provided healthy alternatives for people with special dietary needs.

Carolyn actively served her community. She was affiliated with the Sojourner’s Public Library, Kirksville Garden Club, League of Women Voters, Adair County Mental Health Board, and Jaycee Wives. She served on the Kirksville Regional Arts Council, Mid-America Arts Alliance, Missouri Arts Council, National Advocates for the Arts, Red Barn Arts League, Traveler’s Community Theatre, and Missouri Citizens for the Arts. Through the years, she was given several special recognition awards commending her work for and support of these groups representing interests and causes Carolyn so strongly valued.

Public visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 9, 2024 with funeral services to follow at Travis-Noe Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Polley presiding. Interment will be held in the West Enterprise Cemetery on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. in Springview, Nebraska.

As a way to honor Carolyn’s values and interests and in lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Adair County Public Library or to the Sue Ross Arts Center, and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.