Marion “Granny” Carothers Klinker
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Marion “Granny” Carothers Klinker
Marion “Granny” Carothers Klinker passed away peacefully June 4, 2020 at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living in Lawrence, KS.
Marion was born to Dominic Fish and Mary Naccarato on September 8, 1927 in Los Angeles, California. She was raised in Los Angeles and Temple City, California. Marion met her husband William “Bill” Carothers in 1946 and they were married in 1947. Bill and Marion lived in Temple City and Arcadia, California. Bill preceded her in death in 1986. Marion married Donald Klinker in 1988 and once retired in 1993, they would divide their time between Oxnard, California and Durango, Colorado. After Don’s death in 2003, Marion remained in Oxnard, enjoying her beach home, hosting family, playing Scrabble, Canasta, and reading. In 2010, she moved to Lawrence, Kansas to be close to her granddaughter and great-grandchildren. No matter where she called home, she would travel to attend special events, holidays and vacation with family to create memories and make us feel like she was never far from our daily life.
Marion is survived by her daughter Caryn Carlson (Richard Butzlaff) of El Paso, Texas, granddaughter Gina (Vito) Picicci of Lawrence, Kansas, great-granddaughters Laura (Dan) Meyer of Kansas City, Missouri and Christina (Aaron) Moreno of Prairie Village, Kansas. Marion is preceded in death by her grandson, Scott Carlson.
So many amazing memories, so much laughter, but most importantly so much love. Marion loved unconditionally. She had a great sense of humor, a wonderful laugh and smile, was a woman of faith and great strength. She valued her family, her family history and the importance of loving friendships. She was wise and offered advice when asked. She enjoyed traveling, playing card games, reading, and crossword puzzles. She square danced, belly danced and danced around her living room with her family. She played the piano, loved to sing and whenever the Charlie Brown theme song came on the radio, she would be filled with joy. She drove the California freeways until she was in her 80s. She enjoyed her sweet treats. She was the best Mom, Granny and Nana. Many knew her only as “Granny”, a testament to the relationships she made.
The family wishes to thank Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living for their care of Marion these past few years. She enjoyed playing Bingo (especially once she learned that chocolate bars were prizes), listening to Bobby the piano man (Harbor Lights was her frequently requested song), and visiting with the staff and her friends. As her vision failed, audio books, listening to music, phone calls with family, and family dinners became her favorite activities.
Memorial contributions can be made to Kansas Talking Books Advisory Counsel in care of Warren McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. A memorial service in California will be planned for a later date.
Gina & Vito: Gina’s “Granny” was quite a lady. It was my great pleasure to meet all of your family. I know she will be missed.
What a lovely picture of Granny. I can see a lot of physical characteristics in the girls. Having known her I also know you all share her warm and welcoming personality too. What a wonderful woman and I feel fortunate to have know her. God’s peace to you all while your hearts heal.
-The Krannawitters
This is hard to read when you loose a precious person as Granny. We loved granny so much. She was always there for us. She always treated us like family. She will always be in our hearts and in many conversations, I’m sure of it. She is in a better place I’m sure of that as well. One day we’ll be dancing together and laughing once more. Love you guys.
Condolences from the Savino family
I was so honored to have known Marion. Such a lovely lady with a loving heart. Enjoyed our conversations an our Bingo days at Pioneer Ridge. She and my dad Buster hit it off so well. I always enjoyed bringing her her favorite ‘puffy” Cheetos an a candy bar. I know she will be missed but I’m glad all of you have some great memories of her. Cherish them. She loved all you so very much!
Sending love to you all from Arizona.
We loved ‘Granny’ and we’re blessed to have known her for these past 20+ years. Our favorite memories include her sitting on our sofa singing Christmas carols at our ‘kids” Christmas parties, her love of sweets – especially chocolate, and the blissful, happy smile on her face at both Laura & Christina’s weddings. Love to you all and peace to Granny in heaven❤????
Love the photo, Gina. Now that’s the face I remember seeing when I was growing up. Caryn and I were practically joined at the hip and Marion (Mrs. C to me) was always so kind and loving when I would come to visit. She was a wonderful lady and I am very happy and proud to have known her. I’m sending lots of love to all of you during this difficult time. Love you all, Linda Nelson
Marion was my mom’s dearest friend ever. I remember them talking and laughing about their adventures going dancing and meeting up with all the young navy guys in L.A and Pasadena. I know they’re both carrying on as usual together in heaven! Rejoice in knowing we’ll see them again!
We met Marion while she was playing Bingo at Pioneer Ridge. My husband and I called Bingo there. She was such a loving caring person. We enjoyed having conversations with her. She will be missed by many people. We were blessed to have known her.
Our love and prayers go out to her family at this time.
Marion was my cousin and she was very close to my mom, and she actually reminded of my mom, and I Loved her dearly. My wife Sharon and I visited Marion several times while she still lived in Oxnard, and when she moved to Kansas, I traveled to Kansas for he 90th birthday and on her 92 birthday. Sharon and I planned to fly back for her 93rd birthday on September the 8th. I kept in close touch with Marion and I talked to her just a few hours before she passed and she seemed fine, so her passing came as a big surprise. Marion will be missed by all of us, she is with the Lord now, God bless her soul.
Mike & Sharon Starr
The love and memories I have for Granny will always hold a special place in my heart. She embraced myself and Nicholas as her own from the very first moment I met her back in 1983. She and Grandpa Bill always made me feel I was an important and loved part of the family. There are so many family milestones we were able to share together and I will be forever thankful for those times and the love and joy she brought on every occasion. I love you Granny and I will miss you but I know you are now at peace. Gina, Vito, Laura and Christina I pray God will give you peace and heal your broken hearts. I love you all.
I met Marion in 1964 when I started dating her daughter Caryn. A short time later she became my mother-in-law. I’m grateful we were able to maintain that loving relationship for 56 years. Her laughter and sense of humor was contagious. She always had a kind word for everyone in her life. She will be missed by all, especially me. Rest In Peace Marion. I know you are in heaven surrounded by all those loved ones who went before you.