Carolyn Lena Truhn

Carolyn Truhn, 96, passed away March 10, 2017 at Caretel Inns, St. Joseph. Carolyn was born September 19, 1920 in Benton Harbor to Pauline and William Skelly. She married Kenneth Truhn April 21, 1941 and enjoyed 60 years of marriage until his death in 1998. They spent most winters in Bradenton, Florida. Carolyn graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1939 and was an active member of the Class Reunion Committee with the last reunion being the 65th held in 2004. She was a member of First Church of God in St. Joseph. Carolyn embraced life with enthusiasm and determination. She volunteered at both Mercy and Memorial Hospitals and Friends of Hospice.  She had been a member of the Fairplain Extension Club. Carolyn had previously been a Brownie leader, Girl Scout leader, and Den Mother.  She also started an after school “Craft Club” for her youngest daughter and her friends. She was an avid golfer and got her first hole in one at age 87. She was a member of Berrien Hills Country Club and was a member of a women’s golf league traveling to other courses around the state. She also enjoyed Bridge, Mah Jongg and other card games.  She loved her gardens filled with daffodils and other annuals. She had previously lived at the Whitcomb and was one of their biggest cheerleaders even being part of their radio ads. She also was the face of Lakeland CallSafe with her picture in many of their ads. She is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Truhn; her sisters – Alvera Jenkins, Alice Misegades, Evelyn Wagner, and Martha Carpp; her brothers – Fred Skelly and William Skelly; her parents – Pauline and William Skelly. Surviving are her dearly loved children, Dennis (Linda) Truhn of St. Joseph; Lynette Truhn (Craig Brumels) of Holland; Debra VandeBunte of West Olive; 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:30 AM, Monday, March 13, 2017 at Starks and Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Rev. Robert Confer officiating. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice at Home or First Church of God, St. Joseph. Those wishing to sign Carolyn’s guestbook may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com.