Carolyn Ruth (Alexander) Bledsoe, 75, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at Mercy Hospital surrounded by family.

Carolyn was born June 3, 1945 to Lawrence Charles and Beth Amber (Fearing) Alexander at Buckingham Army Air Force Base in Fort Myers, Florida.  When she was still a baby, the young family moved to Kansas and lived there until Carolyn was in the fourth grade.  They then moved to Springfield where they remained throughout her childhood.  She was always the life of the party and she loved cruising Taylor's and Fisher's in her blue Ford.  She was even occasionally known to drag race some streets in Springfield.  Carolyn was a 1963 graduate of Central High School.

In 1966, Carolyn married Michael Ford Bledsoe in Springfield.  Although the couple divorced in 2005, Carolyn remained close to her in-laws for the remainder of her life.  Family was very important to Carolyn, and she was instrumental in organizing and hosting countless gatherings and dinners over the decades. Her warmth and generosity meant that many close friends were also included, and became honorary family members.  There was always an extra place at Carolyn's table to eat, play cards, or put together a puzzle.  Carolyn never lost her wit, intelligence, or her sense of humor - and those of us that laughed with her and loved her will feel this loss for a long time.

Carolyn is survived by many who are left to mourn her passing, including her four children - Robin (Bryan) Hall of Springfield, Craig (Cheryl) Bledsoe of Mexico, Marc (Jacque) Bledsoe of Hartsburg, and Matthew (Kirsten) Bledsoe also of Mexico.  She also leaves behind siblings - Mary (Jonnie) Hill of Rogersville, Nancy Silverwood of Camdenton, and David (Cynthia) Alexander of Fort Collins, Colorado.  Carolyn's greatest joy, however, came from her grandchildren.  Robby (Mandy), Cody (Avery), Hunter, Karlee, Kendall, Alex, Morgan, Taylor, Catie, Cayley, Isaac, Payton, Colony, Cooper, and Keegan, as well as great-grandsons Kaleb and Kolton, were blessed to be able to call her Grandma and will miss her tremendously.

Carolyn was a long time member of First Christian Church in Joplin where she served on numerous committees and sang in the choir.  Upon moving to Springfield, she transferred her membership to Second Baptist Church.  She loved music  - whether she knew the words or not - and was a talented pianist and singer.  She was a decent dancer, even performing in some TikToks with her granddaughters.

Carolyn was also quite the seamstress and enjoyed selecting fabric and patterns for each piece she constructed.  She did minor alterations, designed purses, and made quilts for many family members.  One of her favorite pastimes was creating baby blankets.  Along with her sister, Carolyn made countless quilts for the Pregnancy Care Center to give to newborns.  Combining her love of God, sewing, and this project, the family asks that any memorials that are made be sent to Pregnancy Care Center - 1342 E. Primrose St., Suite C, Springfield, MO  65804.

As per Carolyn's wishes, she was cremated under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.  The family will host a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 29, 2021, in Springfield.  Please contact a family member for the location and time.