Carolyn Jean Kurz, age 86, passed away peacefully on the evening of November 7th in Columbus, Ohio after a day spent surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 6, 1939, in Lookeba, Oklahoma, Carolyn was the beloved daughter of the late Ordell Evans and Erbie Gatlin Evans. She was preceded in death by her husband Gene Raymond Kurz, and her older sister, JoAnn Peck.
Carolyn is survived by her three children: Michael Kurz, Krista Kurz Wheeler (Kevin), and Amy Kurz Towery (Chris); her five grandchildren Adam (Stephanie) Wheeler, Henry Towery, Jane (Matt) Polirer, Caroline (Mark) Dravillas, and Walter Towery; and her great granddaughter, Freda Brim-Wheeler. She is also survived by her niece Janie (Joe) Spencer and nephew Johnny (Debbie) Peck and their families.
Carolyn attended Sickles High School, and graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. She also obtained a master’s degree from Phillips University. Carolyn taught math for 26 years, 24 years for Enid Public Schools at Waller Junior High School. She was known for her kind and patient math instruction. Carolyn liked to stay busy. She used her retirement years for many volunteer activities, being God’s hands and feet. Her volunteer activities included many years of donating plasma, delivering mobile meals, serving at Enid’s Central Christian Church as a Caregiver, Sunday School treasurer, and library volunteer. Carolyn also enjoyed gardening, frequently enlisting visiting family to help plant, prune or mulch something in her collection. She had a quiet wit, generous spirit, and sweet smile.
A memorial service celebrating Carolyn’s life will be held on December 6th, 2025 at Central Christian Church, 1111 West Broadway, Enid, Oklahoma. All expressions of sympathy, including flowers, cards, and honorary donations are welcome. The family invites donations to be given to Central Christian Church in honor of Carolyn’s lifelong commitment to faith, service, and community.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
34 West 2nd Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more