Carolyn Rae Colby

Carolyn Rae Vick Colby, age 82 was received by Jesus on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Wilson Medical Center in Neodesha, Kansas.

She was born on January 9th, 1943, to Joseph Andrew Newell and Wanda Irene Phelan Vick in Ponca City, Oklahoma.

She was a graduate of Liberal High School of the class of 1960. She graduated a year early from her class of 1961.

She considered herself blessed to be a part of both classes as she developed and kept so many friendships throughout the years.

She dedicated her professional career life to various roles serving as a Photography Assistant for Kennedy Studios. Later, she was a Purchasing Agent for Tradewind Industries and a secretary and bookkeeper for Southwest Tire all in Liberal, Kansas. Her last career was at Northeast Credit Union as a bank teller before her retirement in 2000. She was a resident of Liberal, Kansas until 1990 and then moved to Kansas City Missouri until 2000 and was currently a resident of Coffeyville, Kansas at the time of her death.

She was united in marriage to David Leon Colby on November 2, 1969, in Liberal, Kansas. She was a dedicated wife and caregiver. She always said all she ever wanted to be in her life was a mother. She was the definition of unconditional love. She was a loving mother to three children: Kelly, Shawn and Brandee and a loving wife. Her love for family was evident in her love and support for the greatest job she said she ever had and that was being a mother, grandma and great-grandma. She took great joy in those roles and she cherished them deeply.

Carolyn was deeply committed and had a faithful servant heart for her family and community. Always putting those around her before herself. She was an active member of Holy Name Catholic Church Alter Society and faithfully attended Holy Name Catholic Church of Coffeyville, Kansas. Carolyn's life was one marked by service, loyalty and a genuine love for those around her. She assisted with the local food pantry and resource center Genesis in Coffeyville, Kansas. She also was active with Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts when her children were growing up. Carolyn never met a stranger and always welcomed those around her with her bright smile. She will be remembered for her warm-hearted spirit and dedication to her family and faith.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, David Colby of Coffeyville Kansas, son Kelly Rotolo and his wife Sally of Liberal, Kansas, daughters Shawn Rotolo-Utz of Overland Park, Kansas and Brandee Colby of Independence, Kansas, nine grandchildren, Nicholas Rotolo and his wife Michelle of Liberal, Kansas, Hannah Rotolo and fiancé Craig Vedder, Jr. of Lenexa, Kansas, Landon Rotolo-Utz of Tempe Arizona, Spencer Rotolo-Utz of Tempe Arizona, Justin Colby-Hanna and wife Lacie of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Jacob Colby-Hanna of Coffeyville, Kansas, Anniston Colby of Independence, Kansas, Britain Colby of Independence, Kansas and Caleigh Colby of Independence, Kansas

Six great grandchildren; Israel Rotolo of Liberal, Kansas, Bailie Rotolo of Wichita, Kansas, Emmaleigh Rotolo of Liberal, Kansas, Kynadi Good Colby-Hanna of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Stillen Colby-Hanna of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and Carter Oxley of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and one sister Gaynal Taylor of Warrensburg, Missouri.

She is proceeded in death by her parents Joseph Andrew Newell and Wanda Irene Vick, brother-in-law Esco Taylor and aunt and uncle Loa Faye and Vern Patee, with whom she spent summers with as a little girl.

Funeral Mass will be at Holy Name Catholic Church, 408 Old Willow Street, in Coffeyville, Kansas on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM with a Funeral Memorial Mass at Hornung Family Funeral Home Chapel, 1212 W. 2nd Street in Liberal, Kansas on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM with graveside service to follow at Restlawn Cemetery in Liberal, Kansas

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers are suggested to Amy Caulkins Treatment Account at the Animal Clinic of Southeast Kansas Veterinarian of Coffeyville, Kansas or Liberal Humane Society of Liberal, Kansas in care of Hornung Family Funeral Home, 1212 West 2nd Street Liberal, Kansas

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hornungfuneralhome.com