Carolyn Joyce Umdenstock Horton

Carolyn Joyce Umdenstock Horton was born to Evelyn Marx Umdenstock and Orville Umdenstock on Dec. 25, 1941 in Abilene, Kansas. The family (Nancy K & JoAnn) moved back to Emporia when Carolyn was 2. Carolyn attended various grade schools in Emporia, then went to Roosevelt High School during her junior year, then returned to Emporia & graduated from Emporia High School in 1959. She met her husband Charles 'Leland' Horton at the skating rink. They were married on Dec. 31, 1960. They had 2 sons, Jeffrey Lee Horton & Douglas Len Horton. They traveled the USA, especially Colorado, as much as possible, enjoyed going to Stock Car races, IMCA & Nascar, enjoyed boating on the lakes. She enjoyed listening to old Rock & Roll and Country/Western music. She loved KU Basketball and she loved watching TV and never turned it off - shows like "24", "As the World Turns", "Covert Affairs", "Hawaii Five-O", "NCIS: LA", and "Dancing With the Stars"

She joined the WBA/USBC and was a member until she became unable to bowl because of illnesses. When her sons started school, she attended almost all school functions. Her son's friends were like her kids (many called her Mom until she passed on). She helped in Cub Scouts, and helped her husband with T-ball. She and Leland loved going to auctions and to the casinos and taking trips and took trips to Las Vegas for 10 years. Her husband of 45 years died Dec. 17, 2006. Her son Douglas became her caregiver.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her mother Evelyn Mitchell, sister JoAnn Nelson, brother-in-laws Dean Horton, Don Horton, sister-in-law Wilma & husband Carl Bennett, and Leo & Grace Horton of Rhode Island.

She is survived by her sons - Jeffrey (Karen) Horton of Americus and Douglas Horton of Emporia. A sister & brother-in-law Nancy & Lavern Schallehn of Prairie Village, KS. A sister-in-law Peg (Gene) Colby of Texas, brothers-in-law Guy (Donna) Horton of Emporia. Doris Horton of Americus and Alberta Horton of Council Grove. A very special nephew & niece Steve Schallehn and Gena (Scott) McDonald and two extra special great nephews Jack Schallehn and Alec McDonald. And 4 extraordinary friends Jan and Jim Grimes of N. Kansas City, Chris Decker of Mission, KS and Stephanie Wilson of Olpe, KS.

Carolyn passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2014, at 9:55am. Her passing was peaceful with Douglas at her side. As per Carolyn's wishes, she wanted to be cremated with no funeral services. It was decided that at a later date friends and family will have a memorial and dinner to celebrate Carolyn's life and her passing. She will be greatly missed