Carolyn Sue Morton, 75, of Salina, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 5, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.Born in Salina on April 8, 1950, she was the beloved daughter of Vilura (Reigle) and Oliver Arnold. Carolyn devoted much of her life to caring for others, first as a cook at Kenwood View Nursing Home and later at Pinnacle Care Home, where she retired after years of service.
She was known for her warm presence, unwavering kindness, and the ability to make anyone feel at home with a comforting meal and gentle words.Carolyn is survived by her loving daughters, Dee Morton Ring (Tom) of McPherson, Kansas; Charlotte Shakespear (Howard Jr.) of Andalusia, Alabama; and Stephanie Arnold (Neal) of Salina. She also leaves behind cherished siblings—Phoebe Carlson, George Arnold, and Homer Arnold—along with grandchildren, Melissa Fairbanks of Grand Island, Nebraska, Devin Unrein of Lawrence, Kansas, Nic Robbins (Sara) of Omaha, Nebraska, Derek Laney, of Salina, Victoria Ring, of Salina, Kevin Ring, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Slade Laney (Oli), of Salina, Timara Richardson, of McPherson, Kansas; great grandchildren, Olivia, Abby, Tiras, Marcy, Tiraeq, Xayla, and Takirah, each of whom brought immense joy to her life.She is preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Melissa Morton, her sister, Mae Shade, and her brother Bill Arnold.
A visitation will be held Thursday, May 8, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.A funeral service, officiated by Rev. Allen D. Smith, will take place on Friday, May 9, at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Carolyn will be laid to rest at Gypsum Hill Cemetery in Salina.
The family requests donations be made to the Leukemia Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association, or Gentiva Hospice, sent in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, 500 S. Ohio St., Salina, Kansas.
Messages of condolence may be shared with the family online at www.carlsonfh.net or via the funeral home’s Facebook page.