Carolyn Louise (Bruegenhemke) Higgins, 86, of Greentop, MO, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, at The Pines in Kirksville, MO, with her family by her side.

She was born on April 15, 1939, in Edina, MO, to Leo and Verna Mae (Lingenfelter) Bruegenhemke.

Carolyn attended Fabius Grade School and graduated from Baring High School in 1957. She attended Northeast Missouri State University Teachers College (now Truman State University) and was employed as a dental assistant in Baring, MO and at Citizens Bank in Edina, MO.

On October 4, 1958, Carolyn was married to George Higgins at the St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Baring, MO. They shared 64 wonderful years together. In 1959, they moved to the family farm where she raised five children and helped with the farm, raised cattle and hogs, and was a dog breeder for many years.

Carolyn is survived by her children, David (Geri) Higgins of Kirksville, MO; Sherry (Gary) Cass of Kirksville, MO; Larry (Tammy) Higgins of Brashear, MO; Michael Higgins of Greentop, MO; and Tammy Grgurich of Novinger, MO; 5 grandkids, 9 great-grandkids, brother-in-law, John Higgins of Greentop MO; and several nieces and nephews.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, George; her parents, sisters Shirley Mayer and Barbara Kiley; brother, Donald Bruegenhemke; son-in-law, Andy Grgurich; sisters-in-law Alice Bruegenhemke, Anabel Stober, Mary Hatfield, Margaret Snell, and
Doris Higgins; brothers-in-law Gus Snell, Dick Kiley, Jim Stober, Harry Higgins and George Hatfield, Sr.

Carolyn loved gardening, taking care of the yard, maintaining a tidy farm and enjoyed making flower arrangements. She was arguably the best cook in Adair County and loved to have family get-to-togethers at special events and holidays. Family members never missed getting together because they did not want to miss out on her great cooking. She loved watching her kids and grandkids play sports and watching NBA
basketball (San Antionio Spurs). The family spent many summers together water dog racing. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

Carolyn wishes were to be cremated. A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m., at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, MO, with Deacon Dave Ream presiding. Burial will follow at Mary Immaculate Catholic Cemetery in Kirksville.

Memorials may be made in Carolyn’s memory to the Mary Immaculate Catholic Cemetery. Donations may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.