December 1, 1938 – July 7, 2025
Carolyn Sue (Butler) Price, a devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and lifelong educator, passed away peacefully at Dewey, Oklahoma on July 7, 2025, at the age of 86.
Born December 1, 1938, at home near Stafford, Oklahoma, Carolyn was the youngest of three children of Dwight Wayne and Sadie Harriett (Stocks) Butler. She grew up on the family farm east of Stafford, where her parents operated Butler’s Store and were active in their rural community. She often reminisced about sitting on a hillside overlooking Route 66 near their home.
Carolyn graduated from Butler High School and then attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, OK, where she earned her degree in education. Carolyn taught at South Heights Elementary in Sapulpa and later at Garfield Elementary in Coffeyville, where she spent the majority of her career, earning the affection of her students and fellow teachers.
On July 23, 1958, she married Robert James “R.J.” Price, Jr., in Oklahoma City. Together, they raised three sons: Steve, Scott, and Allen. Over the years, they lived in several communities, including Southwest City, MO (farming), Butler, OK (dairy farming), Buhler, KS, Sapulpa, OK, Lansing, KS, and eventually Coffeyville, KS.
Carolyn was an avid gardener who spent her free time enjoying nature and tending to her flowers. She relished quality time with her family, especially her eight grandchildren, and cherished the annual Thanksgivings hosted at her home. She also enjoyed traveling to visit loved ones and to experience new places.
Carolyn was a longtime member of Tyro Christian Church, where she found joy in serving others. She also volunteered with the Salvation Army. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tyro Christian Church or the Salvation Army in her memory.
She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 49 years, R.J. Price; her son, Stephen James Price; her parents, Dwight and Sadie Butler; her brother, Richard “Dick” Butler and his wife Joann; and her sister-in-law Dixie Butler.
She is survived by her sons, Scott Price (Sonya) of Siloam Springs, AR and Allen Price (Angela) of Coffeyville, KS; her daughter-in-law, Sharon Price of Omaha, NE; her brother, Thomas Dwight Butler of Indiahoma, OK; her grandchildren: Cody Price (Tara), Cooper Price (Alyssa), Josh Price (Cammie), Emily Price, Joe Price (Tessa), Paige Nunneley (Jeremiah), Bailey Price, and Aiva J. Price; and her great-grandchildren: Ty (Brooke) and Colt (children of Cody); Paxton and Sage (children of Cooper); Hadley, Thomas, James, Henry, Jack, Betsy (children of Josh); Jane and Charles (children of Joe).
In her final years, Carolyn resided at Guest Home Estates, surrounded by a caring staff and regular family visits. Her gentle spirit, loving heart, and steady faith leave a lasting legacy in the lives of all who knew her.
As was her way, she has requested a quiet service for family and friends to be held at Robbins Cemetery, west of Coffeyville, with David Bycroft officiating, followed by interment.
