In loving memory of

Carol Margaret Caston
November 8, 1924 - February 28, 2018

Carol Margaret (Arnold) Caston
Born in Burlington on November 8, 1924, Carol Margaret (Arnold) Caston lived a long life of good humor and compassion. Known to many as "The lady with the big smile" Carol often waited on customers at Caston's Shoe Shop. Her down-home charm could capture your attention. With her tales of both family history and imagination, Carol entertained many relatives and friends.
Carol was the fifth daughter of Jacob and Dorcas (Johnsen) Arnold. She attended Burlington schools, graduating in 1942. She then attended Business College and in 1943 was employed as a bookkeeper for Witte Drug.
In 1945 she married the love of her life, Ralph L. Caston Jr. in Modesto, California. They had four children, Ralph the third, Randy, Richard, and Merry. Ralph Jr. and Carol opened Caston's Shoe Shop in Burlington in 1947. Carol did the bookkeeping until the day she died, February 28, 2018.
Carol's greatest comfort was the comradery of her four sisters Edna, Lillian, Florence, and Bessie, and two brothers, Jim and Paul. Her special interests were working with children including Cub Scouts, Brownies, and church groups. She also enjoyed playing piano, writing, crocheting, working jigsaw puzzles, and reading, especially historical fiction. She and her husband traveled to many historical sites in the West and South while visiting relatives. For both sides of the family she was active in genealogy. She was a great storyteller, with a remarkable memory and imagination. Later in life she threw wacky bingo parties to the delight of family members.
She is survived by three children, one stepdaughter, five grandchildren, two step grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, family friend Marilee Hagemeier, and twelve nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband, and son, Randy.
Her motto to live by was "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." She is remembered as a devoted mother, especially to her son, Randy who needed lifelong care. She was a contributor to Hope Haven and a friend to many of the clients.
The graveside service for Mrs. Caston will be 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 7th, 2018 at Aspen Grove Cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Lunning Chapel.
A memorial has been established for Hope Haven Services, 828 North 7th, Burlington, IA 52601, Phone: (319) 754-4689


Tributes

Scott Matlick wrote on Mar 10, 2018:

"Carol was my grandfather's cousin. I didn't know her very well but we shared an interest in genealogy. In recent years she was kind enough to share some family history and old photographs with me. Such a warm and friendly person. My thoughts are with all of her family."

Karen Hansen wrote on Mar 6, 2018:

"Dear Aunt Carol, I will miss your letters every Christmas and all the family news. Now you have joined Uncle Ralph and all your sisters and brothers. Telling them all the family news, all your wonderful stories and laughing. I will miss you. Love Karen"

Chuck and Dawn Chevalier- The Corner Cobbler wrote on Mar 6, 2018:

"Our condolences on your mother's passing. "

Jennifer Parrish Moore wrote on Mar 2, 2018:

"Ralph, I am truly sorry for the loss of your mother. She was very lucky to have been blessed with you as her son. May God be with you during your time of sorrow ."