Carolyn Lee Rambo (Croston)

Carolyn Lee Rambo, 74, passed away on August 26, 2020, in Blue Springs, MO, after a twelve-year battle with cancer.

Carolyn came into this world on April 4, 1946, the oldest of five children to Richard W. Croston and Betty C. Allaback Croston. She was born in Webb City, MO, but she and her family relocated to Independence in her elementary school years. As a young girl, she loved climbing apple trees, riding her bicycle, and playing ball games. She began working at a drive-in restaurant while attending William Chrisman High School, which was where she met and began dating Kenneth Rambo. They were high school sweethearts, graduating together in the class of 1964. They married on November 28, 1965, and to this union were born a son and a daughter.

Carolyn’s professional career included twenty years as an executive assistant for UMB Bank, retiring in September of 2013. She devoted her entire life to pursue her great passion, which was sewing. She made patterns and created clothing items, scrubs, and anything else that was needed. As a member of Christ United Methodist Church, she participated in the bell choir and their knitting club, where she crafted prayer shawls, afghans, and baby hats. She and Kenny spent countless hours antiquing and collecting baking dishes, cookbooks, and old sewing machines. They loved to garden together, and their fresh produce harvest was turned into tomato sauce, salsa, apple butter, and the most addictive pickles and relish. When holidays came around, Carolyn went into task mode, and organized perfect events for over twenty guests.

Carolyn had the opportunity to take road trips with her family over the years, and invariably they would stop at every national park, museum, and zoo. She had an insatiable curiosity about the world around her - a quality that was passed on to her children. They learned about animals, natural science, and art history together, and made so many happy memories on their adventures.

Carolyn’s humble, positive character was displayed in her words and in her deeds. She never viewed herself as a priority, and never sought praise. Even through her lengthy illness, she actively looked for ways to make someone else’s life easier and better. Watching the happy interactions of her family and friends gave her renewed strength on her weary days. She considered it a special accomplishment and a distinct honor to help raise her granddaughter and great-granddaughter for the past 15 years.

Carolyn is survived by her husband of 55 years, Kenny; son Andrew Rambo, DVM, and his wife Joy and their two daughters Jessica and Erika Rambo; daughter Jennifer Rambo, her daughter Sierra Myers, and her daughter Mayleigh Dowell; mother Betty Croston; brother Charles Croston and his wife Roberta; sister Marilyn Hays and her husband Paul; brother Steven Croston and his wife Lynn; sister-in-law Margret Croston; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father Richard Croston and her brother Kenneth Croston.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at a time to be announced, at Woodlawn Cemetery of Independence.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at St. Mary’s Medical Center and Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute for their care and compassion showed to Carolyn. In her honor, contributions may be made to the Sarah Cannon Fund at American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 23197, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

One of her favorite sentiments was the Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)