Constance Mary Caulkins

Born July 11, 1919 to Richard and Lillian (Burton) Bowman in Zanesville, Ohio; died Nov. 20, 2015 in Morton Grove, Ill. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother David R. Bowman, and beloved husband, Dane, leaving their children Randall (Colleen Kenney) Caulkins, Cynthia (Thomas) Churchwell, and Marsha Caulkins, eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, a nephew and a niece.

Connie studied education, English and biology at the Ohio State University. In 1941 she married fellow Buckeye Dane V. Caulkins. They lived in Xenia, Ohio while he taught at the Ohio Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphanage. When Dane's draft was imminent he moved Connie to his home town, Fayette, where she taught while Dane traveled with the U.S. 5th Army 3rd Division across North Africa, Sicily, Italy and France, and then saw parts of Germany as a prisoner of war. The time that he was MIA was the most trying time of Connie's life. They moved in 1951 to Midland, Michigan, where Dane taught math and science. Connie was active in Faculty Dames and a women's circle at Memorial Presbyterian Church. Connie returned to teaching, retiring from Meridian High School, Sanford, Michigan. She intended that every student be well versed in grammar and speak confidently in public. Connie also corrected public displays of incorrect usage (tomatoes, not tomato's) with her handy red pen.

In 1983 Dane and Connie relocated after she declared, "I lived 32 years in Ohio, 32 years in Michigan, and want to live the next 32 back in Ohio." At First Church of Christ (Bryan, Ohio) Connie joined Dorcas Circle and Senior Saints. She did predict her life span but, reluctantly, moved to Illinois in 2013. Connie raised flowers, vegetables, over 250 varieties of African violets, many dogs and personable parakeets. She relished playing word and card games. Memberships included retired teacher groups, American Legion Auxiliary and 70 years in Order of the Eastern Star.

A memorial service is Nov. 24 in Illinois (www.simkinsfh.com); graveside service is Nov. 28 in Ohio (www.oberlinturnbull.com). In lieu of flowers, please give a book to a child or support Reading is Fundamental.