Carolyn B. Poese

1939 - 2024

Carolyn Bette Poese, 85, of New Haven, Missouri, passed away Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, at the New Haven Care Center, surrounded by family.

Carolyn was born at home in Berger, Missouri, on Feb. 18, 1939, the daughter of the late Walter and Lillie (Forderhase) Gruber. She was the widow of Adolph A. Poese. Carolyn met Adolph at a dance near Bem, Missouri, though she says she didn't really know how to dance. They were united in marriage on Dec. 12, 1964, at St. John's UCC Church, Berger, Missouri. After marriage, Carolyn joined Adolph on the Poese family farm in New Haven. Adolph preceded her in death on Feb. 17, 2020.

Carolyn had a lot of fond memories and adventures growing up on her family farm, like riding bareback on the Belgian workhorses as they came in from the fields. Church activities were very important to the Grubers while Carolyn was growing up. Carolyn's daddy got her to Sunday school every week even though they had to cross a rising creek on several occasions. The greatest value Carolyn learned growing up was the value of hard work.

Carolyn attended Hermann High School. She was very proud that she ranked seventh in the class of 1957. Carolyn went to trade school to be a bookkeeper. She was hired at Hermann Ford, where she worked for Ken Boyer (St. Louis Cardinals player), Wes Miller, and Carl Lensing. Carolyn left her job in 1966 to become a mom and a caretaker for her parents and in-laws. Carolyn helped on the farm, but mostly she chauffeured her daughters to 4-H, church, and school activities. When her daughters went to college, she went to work at Mallinckrodt Medical Services in New Haven. When that job ended and the company moved to Mexico, Carolyn went to East Central College, where she received her associate degree in business. Her family was so proud of her! She then worked as a bookkeeper at Liesmann Auto in New Haven and Leo J. Peirick in Union. She also worked part-time at Pratt's Pharmacy.

Carolyn's faith in God was very strong. She served as a Sunday school teacher at St. John's UCC Church, St. Peter's UCC Church, and then Bethlehem Lutheran Church for many years and also enjoyed playing the piano for the children's choirs. She was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Women's Missionary League. Outside of church, Carolyn was a 4-H leader and a PTA member and officer.

Family meant everything to Carolyn. When her grandchildren, Erin and Emily, came to visit, Carolyn would drop everything to spend as much time with them as she could. Carolyn also found time to have three huge gardens and canned many quarts of vegetables each summer. She loved all animals, especially cows, and adored her cat, Timmy. Carolyn always loved to mushroom hunt and bake goodies, especially for others. One of her specialties was making apple crisp with her granddaughters. Carolyn enjoyed visiting the Grand Canyon and Switzerland, two places on her bucket list.

Carolyn is survived by her daughters, Debbie Poese, of Columbia, MO, and Angie Scheer and husband Jim, of New Haven, MO; a brother, Myron Gruber and wife Carol, of Union, MO; a granddaughter, Erin (Scheer) Doughten and husband Chandler, of Cape Girardeau, MO; a granddaughter, Emily Scheer, of Thackerville, OK; nieces, nephews, and many friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Leona and Paul Brumley.

Visitation was held Tuesday, Nov. 26, from 4-7 p.m. at Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home, New Haven.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 27, at 10:30 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, New Haven, with the Rev. James Wilshusen officiating.

Burial will be in Cedar Cemetery, New Haven.

Memorials may be given to the New Haven 4-H Club or the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Sunday School.

The Poese family is being served by Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home, New Haven.