Carolyn Sue Jacobs Trauernicht, 75, Whitesville, Missouri, passed away Sunday, July 20, 2025.
She was born March 11, 1950 to Carl E. and Z. Doyn (Muntz) Jacobs in Maryville, Missouri.
A graduate of Worth County High School in Grant City, Missouri and Gard Business School in St. Joseph, Missouri. Carolyn later went to Missouri Western State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in management. Carolyn excelled as an administrative assistant for various businesses. Seeking to share her wisdom with the younger generation, she eventually found her calling as a substitute teacher, a role she cherished until retirement.
Carolyn married Danny Pawling on March 20, 1970, and together they embarked on life's journey, welcoming four children into the world: Tabatha (Pawling) Verbick, Mindy Sue Pawling, Carl Pawling, and Shanin Pawling. Their paths as a married couple diverged. Carolyn later married Fred Trauernicht on September 1, 1992.
An avid quilter, her skilled hands crafted heirlooms that would wrap her loved ones in warmth for generations to come. Her love for the outdoors was boundless, whether tending to her animals, flowers, camping trips, or fishing. She also found joy in the quiet solitude of hunting and the thrill of spelunking.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Mindy Sue Pawling; grandson, Elijah Pawling; and sister, Patricia Davidshofer.
Survivors include her husband, Fred; her children, Tabatha (Pawling) Verbick, Carl Pawling (Susanna), and Shanin Pawling (Amanda); step-daughter, Rebecca Trauernicht; grandchildren, Michelle Verbick, Dustin Verbick, Cora Pawling, James Pawling, Miriam Pawling, Carl Andrew Pawling, Jacob Pawling, Walker McCallon (Marissa), River McCallon (Thelma), Sawyer McCallon, Timber McCallon, and Connor Pawling; great-grandchildren, Emberly Justus and a baby girl on the way; sisters, Kathy Adwell (Steve) and Carla Fisher (Kevin); brother-in-law, Jeff Davidshofer; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1:00 P.M. Friday, August 1, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Joseph, Missouri. Inurnment Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, July 31, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Caroyln’s Funeral Fund.
