Caroline Stokes, 85, of Kirksville, MO, passed away unexpectedly on February 23, 2019 at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.

The daughter of William Paul and Emma Elizabeth (Rager) Stokes, she was born January 12, 1934.

She is survived by her sister, Colleen B. Hamilton of Kirksville, MO; niece, Constance (Hamilton) Criess and husband Les of Ocean Park, WA; great niece, Elaine Steckler, husband David and children Ethan and Cody of Renton, WA; great nephew, Allen Goans and wife Brooke of Fox Island, WA; great nephew, Joshua Criess and wife Stephanie and children Sadie, Beau, Brie and Bernie of Belfair, WA; along with many cousins from the Rager family in various states.

Caroline was loved and respected by all she met. She enjoyed having debates and discussions on various subjects especially art and religion. Religion was a mind challenging subject she truly enjoyed. Hobbies she enjoyed were things with color such as jewelry, cosmetics, sewing and she always continued her painting. She graduated from NE Missouri Teachers College in Kirksville (now Truman State University) with her Bachelor's and Master's in Art, and a second degree in French. Caroline taught art for thirty-one years, one year in Novinger, two years in Brookfield, and twenty-eight years at Macon, MO High School. She retired from teaching in 1988.

A memorial will be held in Kirksville, MO, at the Days Inn (3805 S. Baltimore St., Kirksville, MO 63501) from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 18, 2019. Some of Caroline's art work will be displayed at the memorial.

A note from the family: There is a watercolor portrait partially finished of a young man, probably a student. We would like to find the model for this portrait. This painting will also be at the memorial.

Caroline's wishes were to be cremated. A private service with the family has been held. Services are under the direction of Travis-Noe Funeral Home.

She will rest in peace along side her parents, Paul and Emma Stokes, at the Jewel Cemetery.