Carolyn J. Zerbe

Carolyn J. Zerbe, 88, passed away Saturday, June 11, 2022, at her daughter’s home in rural Burlingame.

Carolyn was born September 26, 1933, in the Chalk community, the daughter of Horace J. and Pearl C. Massey Paul.  Carolyn was raised in the Chalk and Eskridge communities, where she attended Parkdale Grade School and graduated from Eskridge High School in 1952.

Carolyn worked in local grocery stores and was a cook at the local school before she started Carolyn’s Daycare.  She was a member of the Lutheran Church and had received her 50-year pin from the American Legion Auxiliary. 

On November 16, 1952, Carolyn married Curtis L. Zerbe in Alta Vista.  He preceded her in death in May 1996.  Carolyn’s parents, brothers, Horace “Hod” Paul Jr. and Charles Paul, a sister Donna Lyman and son-in-law Charlie McCarter also preceded her in death.

Survivors include her son, Charles L. (Michelle) Zerbe, Eskridge, three daughters, Elizabeth McCarter, Burlingame, Charlotte Zerbe, Rossville, and Cynthia (John) Strawn, Holton; three sisters, Eldana Travis and Benita Peoples, both of Eskridge and Liz (Tom) Benortham, Topeka; and a sister-in-law, Patricia Paul; 15 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside Memorial Services will be at 11:00 A.M. Friday, June 17, 2022, at the Chalk Cemetery.  Family visitation from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, June 16, 2022, will be held at the Eskridge Senior Center.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Carolyn Zerbe Memorial Fund to be designated at a later date and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.