Carolyn Depue

Carolyn Ann Depue, 84, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed peacefully on June 4, 2025, after a courageous battle with several longstanding health issues. Carolyn's vibrant spirit and boundless kindness left an indelible imprint on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Born in Webb City, Missouri, on September 2, 1940, Carolyn was the loving daughter of Wallace and Anna Southern. Raised in a warm household alongside sister Clare Faye Jackson and brothers Robert and Lloyd Southern, she cultivated her welcoming personality and devotion to family early on. Carolyn remained especially close with her siblings throughout her life, cherishing family gatherings and the sharing of treasured memories.

Carolyn valued education and graduated proudly from Carl Junction High School in 1958 and Kansas State Teachers College (now Pittsburg State University) in 1962. She combined her passion for sports and empowering young athletes when she took the helm as coach of the first girls basketball team in Seneca, Missouri. A lifetime lover of the game, Carolyn was an ardent fan of women's softball and basketball, enthusiastically supporting these sports at all levels.

A spirited and lively presence wherever she went, Carolyn never met a stranger. She was known for her outgoing personality, ready smile, and willingness to offer support or companionship to anyone in need. Her compassion extended through community involvement, where she enthusiastically led Girl Scout troops in the 1970s, inspiring countless young women with her generosity and love of adventure. She was also a devoted member of the First Christian Church of Fairland, Oklahoma, and the Pleasant Hill Country Church in Carl Junction, Missouri; in both congregations, her uplifting voice and big-hearted kindness enriched the lives of all parishioners.

Carolyn's caring nature extended beyond her professional and community activities into her home and family life. She cherished her marriage to her husband, Jack Depue, who preceded her in death. Their loving union created a family environment enriched with warmth and security.

In her quiet time, Carolyn found joy and accomplishment in quilting and crochet, crafting beautiful handmade pieces cherished by her family and friends as tokens of her love.

Carolyn leaves behind a family full of precious memories and enduring gratitude, particularly surviving children Kenneth Carter and Janet Laudett; sister Clare Faye Jackson, brother Robert Southern, grandson Chris Laudett, extended family members, and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Wallace and Anna Southern, husband Jack Depue, brother Lloyd Southern, and daughter Dawn Carter.

Though she has left this world, Carolyn's legacy of kindness, friendship, and passion continues to inspire all who knew her. Her loving presence will be deeply missed but fondly remembered through the lives she touched and the memories she created.

A celebration of Carolyn's life will be held on July 12, beginning at 10:30 am at Pleasant Hill Country Church in Carl Junction, Missouri beginning. Her family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Carolyn's memory to the church, reflecting her spirit of giving and support to those in need.