Carolyn Jane Bowles

Carolyn Walker Bowles of Lee’s Summit, MO, passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 12th, 2026. Carolyn was born on February 8th, 1941, in Kearney, Missouri to Clay Franklin and Mildred (Sabins) Walker.

After skipping a grade in elementary school, she graduated from Northeast High School in Kansas City, MO in 1957. She then briefly worked for the Moon Insurance Agency on the Independence Square.

On July 10, 1959, Carolyn married William Dale Bowles. Following the ceremony they moved to Grand Junction, Colorado where their first two children were born. During this time, Carolyn entered a national sewing contest sponsored by the National Wool Growers of America, called Make It With Wool. The contest required each seamstress to model their custom outfit but because Carolyn was eight months pregnant with her first child, she was unable to do so. Her sewing so impressed the judges that she won the national first prize despite her inability to meet that requirement.

Throughout her lifetime, Carolyn’s exceptional sewing skills and beautiful sense of aesthetics benefited her children, other family members and friends. Her projects ran the gamut from intricate wedding attire to upholstery and furniture recovery. After retirement from her professional life, Carolyn’s sister Marilyn convinced her to help make, distribute and sell unique designer handbags under the brand Marilyn Wear; Wear a Flower. Marilyn and Carolyn’s bags were carried by fashionable women around the globe. It was always thrilling to spot one of their bags in unexpected places like the New York City Easter Parade, or to hear that a celebrity had become a new customer.

In 1965, Carolyn began work as a teller at Metropolitan Savings and Loan. She stayed in the banking business through many incarnations. In 1987 Metropolitan Savings and Loan became United Postal Savings. It wasn’t long before the new organization recognized her skills, experience, and the exceptional service she offered to her customers and awarded her the title of Vice President. In 1994, Carolyn endured a third transition when United Postal Savings Bank became North American Savings Bank. After forty-two successful years in banking, Carolyn retired in February of 2007.

Carolyn and her husband raised their three children at Maywood Baptist Church, in Independence, MO, where she practiced her strong Christian faith as a proud and active member for 41 years. She enjoyed her time as a beloved Sunday School Teacher, while also serving on the church decorating committee. Friends and acquaintances commonly remember her as an elegant and sophisticated woman with a sharp eye for beauty.

The lives of Carolyn, her spouse, and her children primarily centered around church functions and activities that established a strong faith, just as it nurtured a lifetime of treasured friendships. Friendships established at Maywood Baptist Church not only sustained her until the end, but took her on adventures around the world. Many of Carolyn’s treasured memories included laughter and travel with a group of adults that got a kick out of calling themselves the River Rats.

Carolyn leaves behind three children and their spouses: Suzette Bowles Groebner and Markus Groebner, Cindy Bowles Schmidt and Jon Schmidt, William Bowles and Deena Ohlrogge Bowles. She also leaves behind a brother, Curtis Walker and his wife Diane, and a sister, Marilyn Wear and her husband Jack. Her six grandchildren include Bailey Bowles Mackey, Isaac Schmidt, William Schmidt, Mason Bowles, Andrew Schmidt, and Brooke Bowles. Other survivors include five great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. All will miss her terribly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Dale Bowles and her parents, Clay and Mildred Walker.

In her youth, Carolyn was baptized into the faith at New Salem Baptist Church (recently renamed Blue Hills Baptist Church, located at 24 Hwy and North Blue Mills Road). A few years later, she was married there. The circle will be completed on Saturday, April 18 when visitation begins at 9:00 am. Her funeral service is scheduled to begin at 10:00 am. Following a short grave side service, those who would like to spend time visiting and reminiscing are invited to gather in the church basement for a typical light lunch frequently enjoyed by Carolyn: chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, and a light salad.