Carolyn Ruth Maylee was born on March 12, 1951 and passed away March 16, 2026 at the age of 75 years.
She grew up in Arlington, Missouri, amid a family that owned grocery stores and a salvage yard. In her younger days, Carolyn worked at Brown Shoe Company in Rolla, Missouri.
She married Kenneth Maylee.
She cared for people in their homes, worked in the kitchen at the Missouri Veterans Home, participated in the grape harvests in Rosati and volunteered at the Caring Center. One of her proudest accomplishments was discovering how to make grape jelly during her time in the vineyards of Rosati She also had a passion for cooking and decorating cakes.
Carolyn was an avid painter who loved creating landscapes and portraits. She played multiple musical instruments — guitar, harmonica, and accordion — and was a familiar presence at gatherings where friends and church family would come together in the yard to play instruments, sing hymns, and share meals under the trees. She found much joy in reading novels by Grace Livingston Hill and was devoted to her faith, serving the Lord throughout her entire life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; parents; sisters, Shirley West and Janet Ault; and brother-in-law, Jim West.
She is survived by her children, Kevin Maylee and fiancée Tiesha Wampler of Gerald, Missouri, Dewayne Maylee and wife Rebecca of St. James, Missouri, Jason Maylee and wife Melinda of Pevely, Missouri and David Maylee and wife Rachel of St. James, Missouri; sister, Martha Plake and husband Don of Rolla, Missouri; brother-in-law David Ault of Lynnville, Tennessee; seven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 10-11 a.m. on March 20, 2026 at the Tabernacle of Praise in Rolla, Missouri.
Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on March 20, 2026 at the Tabernacle of Praise in Rolla, Missouri with Tim Blackwell officiating. Music was provided by the family.
Interment at the Hickory Grove Cemetery at Vichy, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.
