Carolyn Busby Passes Away

Carolyn Busby passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, November 29, 2021.

Carolyn was born March 29, 1928 in Durant Oklahoma to Ruth and Randy Boswell. Carolyn was raised in Kilgore Texas and attended Kilgore Junior College where she was a Kilgore Rangerette for two years before transferring to East Central University in Ada, where she studied Home Economics. Her ECU History teacher and renowned Ada matchmaker, Eileen McKeel, set her up on a blind date with a young Ada rancher, Philip Busby. Philip and Carolyn were married June 25, 1949. They loved each other passionately, provided a safe, secure and loving home for their children, cherished their extended family and friends, and celebrated their 67 ^th wedding anniversary together before Philip’s passing in 2016.

The young couple began their married life in a small two bedroom farm house on the Busby 4-B Ranch, where Philip was the ranch manager and dairy operator. They moved to Ada in 1953 where they raised four children, Martha Ann, Catherine, Steve, and Marilyn. While raising her family, Carolyn also stayed busy in the community. She attended the First Baptist Church, where she enjoyed singing in the Choir, teaching Sunday School and Bible School and acted as Nursery Coordinator for many years. Carolyn also loved playing Bridge and Mahjong and attended Coffee Club with her friends. Philip and Carolyn loved to entertain. She was the consummate hostess and an amazing cook.

In her late 70’s, Carolyn went back to East Central to finish her degree. She was three credit hours short of obtaining her diploma at the age of 80 when she suffered a mini stroke while walking to class one day. Though she never returned to campus, she recovered and continued her decorating career for several more years. When asked what her secret is to getting so much done, she replied, “Just don’t sit down!”

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Randy Boswell; her two sisters, Martha Pettit and Marguerite Johnson; her daughter, Martha Ann Reimann; and her husband and “biggest supporter and best friend” Philip Busby.

Carolyn is survived by three of her children, Catherine Dart of Norman, Steve Busby, and Marilyn Crawford of Ada; her grandchildren, Sara Reimann, Amy Radtke, Alison, Brian and Philip Dart, Steven and Jake Crawford, Alex and Max Busby, Daniel, Josh and Sarah Dunigan; as well as fourteen greatgrandchildren. She is also survived by many adoring nieces and nephews.

Carolyn will be remembered as a fabulous mother, doting grandmother, loving wife and faithful, supportive friend by us all.

Information about services will be published at a future time.