Carolyn Jean "CJ" Kolb, of Harrison, passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025 at The Springs of Mt. Vista.  She was 79 years old.

The daughter of Omer and Etta Marie (Orr) Hull was born on December 8, 1946 in Liberal, Kansas.

Carolyn—known lovingly as "CJ" to her family and friends—married the love of her life, Danny Kolb, on September 16, 1992. Their marriage, filled with devotion and companionship, lasted until his passing on August 9, 2025, and their bond remained a beautiful example of love that endures through every season of life.

CJ began working in a nursing home at just 16, where she discovered a genuine passion for caring for others. Determined and hardworking, she earned her GED and later enrolled at Seward County Community College on the very same day as her son, Ray. She went on to graduate—something she was proud of, even if she playfully reminded Ray of it from time to time.
After completing her studies, CJ built a remarkable 20-year career as a respiratory therapist. Her heart was especially drawn to the NICU, where she cared for the tiniest and most vulnerable patients. On several occasions, she was flown to Children's Hospital to assist with difficult cases—a testament to her skill, steady presence, and deep compassion.

When she wasn't caring for others, CJ found joy in simple, meaningful things: fishing on a quiet day, creating beautiful quilts stitched with love, and losing herself in a good book—especially those by Stephen King. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, and her warmth, kindness, and gentle humor touched every life she entered.

She will be deeply and lovingly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Danny Kolb; her parents; one daughter, Sheri Beuttgenbach; two great grandsons, Rowan and Reed Randa; one great granddaughter, Ameliana Smith; and two sisters, Grace Parker and Sue Morris.

Survivors include six children, Windy (Dennis) Dillon, Robin (Phillip) Blackburn, Ray Bailey (Eliza Johnson), Brandon Kolb, Jessica (Chris) Kolb-Lewis, and Shawn (Amanda) Kolb; two brothers, Eddie Hull and James (Wendy) Hull; one sister, Bettie Wright; 26 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; her father and mother-in-law, Perry and Judy Kolb; two sisters-in-law, Teresa (Scotty) Kolb-Henderson and Deborah Kolb; and a host of other family and friends.

A private interment will be held for family and close friends at Maple Leaf Cemetery at a later date.