"Oh dear Judy----I feel so bad for all of you. Loved Carolyn a lot and her wonderful talent too. And of course her Santa!!!!!!!! too. Lots of good memories with her and now for her. Take care and will pray for the peace to come very soon.
Hugs and blessings
Mary Carey"
In loving memory of
Edith Carolyn Bristow
October 5, 1947 - April 23, 2022
Carolyn Bristow, 74, of Johnston, IA passed away from cancer on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at Mercy One Johnston Hospice House.
Edith Carolyn Mohler Bristow was born October 5, 1947 in Knoxville, IA to proud parents Carl Reeves and Florence Mae (Swanson) Mohler. She was welcomed home by her sister Judith Eleanor Mohler and a large extended family. She grew up in Dunreath, IA in Red Rock Township in rural Marion County. Her family re-located to Monroe, IA in 1966 after the federal government purchased their home and farmland to construct Red Rock Dam.
Carolyn was a lifelong member of The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, now known as Community of Christ. She was baptized on March 10, 1957 in Knoxville, IA by her uncle, Delbert Mohler.
Carolyn attended White Walnut Country School in Dunreath until she was in 5th grade, then went to Monroe Community School, graduating in 1965. She and her sister were both active in 4-H and Carolyn also sang in the High School Girl's Glee Club. She continued her education at Graceland College in Lamoni, IA for one year, before attending Cliff Mann Floral School in Denver, Colorado, where she studied floral design.
Her first job was at Codner's Roosevelt Florist, in the Roosevelt Shopping Center on 42nd Street in Des Moines, IA. She was there from 1966 through 1980.
During that time, she met Larry Wayne Bristow, who worked at a barber shop just a few doors down in the Roosevelt Shopping Center. They were married April 4, 1981 at the Northwest congregation of (RLDS) Community of Christ. They enjoyed spending time with Larry's two children Wende and Matt, attending barbershop classes and events, including the exhibit from Roosevelt Barber Shop every year at the Iowa State Fair, playing with their registered and dearly loved cocker spaniel Brandi, going out with friends, shopping, and being with family. Sadly, they were married only 9 years before Larry passed away in 1990.
Following her employment with Codner's, Carolyn worked for a short time at Valley Florist in West Des Moines and then Kaler-Wade Greenhouse in Des Moines. In 1983, she began employment with Boesen the Florist, where she worked until her retirement in 2012. Carolyn was well known and respected for her excellent design skills. Her specialty was funeral arrangements, although she also designed countless arrangements for weddings, Mother's Day, Christmas, and many other holidays and special occasions.
Carolyn and her sister Judy have been close companions all their lives, and loved to reminisce about their escapades growing up on the farm, and sharing wonderful meals prepared by their mother around the kitchen table surrounded by family and friends. They were proud to have beautiful furniture built by their father and uncle in their homes as well as many other family heirlooms. Some of their favorite times together were looking at photos and recalling family stories and memories, and driving the back roads of southern Iowa where they grew up.
Carolyn loved everything Christmas, especially anything Santa. Every home she ever lived in was decorated with Christmas in every room! Her love of Christmas even included two trips to Europe and a family trip to Frankenmuth, Michigan one year to add to her collection! Carolyn also loved music and enjoyed counted cross-stitch, scrapbooking, and watching sports on TV.
Carolyn is survived by her beloved sister Judy Mohler of Jefferson, IA, her step-daughter Wende (Jay) Bristow Barrett of Des Moines, IA, her step-son Matthew Bristow of Des Moines, IA, step-grandson Caleb Bristow, step-granddaughter Kendal Bristow of Des Moines, IA, brother-in-law Donald (Jean) Bristow of Coralville, IA, and many other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband Larry, her parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousin Cathy Swanson Hedrick and her cousin Candy Swanson Lundy's husband Keith Lundy.
Visitation will be Friday, April 29 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Coburn Funeral Home, Monroe, IA. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 30 at 2:00 pm at Monroe Community of Christ. Burial will be in the Monroe Cemetery, with lunch following at Monroe City Hall Community Room. Memorials are suggested to Monroe Community of Christ or Mercy One Johnston Hospice House. Coburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.