Carolyn Ruth Maylee

Carolyn Ruth Maylee, a devoted and caring soul whose life was a testament to love and service, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, in Crystal City, Missouri. Born on March 12, 1951, Carolyn lived a life enriched by faith, family, and a deep commitment to those around her. She was surrounded in her final days by extended family who lovingly cared for her at the Crystal Oaks Nursing Home, a fitting conclusion to a life defined by compassion and dedication and one who gave that care to so many.Carolyn's journey began in Arlington, Missouri, where she grew up amid a family that owned grocery stores and a salvage yard. Her early years were marked by hard work and community spirit, characteristics that shaped her throughout her life. In her younger days, Carolyn worked at Brown Shoe Company in Rolla, Missouri, where she met her beloved husband, Kenneth Maylee. Kenneth, who preceded her in death on November 29, 2023, was a cherished companion and partner.Her professional life was varied and filled with service to others. Carolyn cared for people in their homes, worked in the kitchen at the Missouri Veterans Home, participated in the grape harvests in Rosati, and contributed her talents at the Caring Center. One of her proudest accomplishments was discovering how to make grape jelly during her time in the vineyards of Rosati — a culinary craft for which she became well known. She also had a passion for cooking and decorating cakes, bringing joy to many through her culinary artistry.A woman of many gifts, Carolyn was an avid painter who loved creating landscapes and portraits. Her heart was also deeply rooted in her church community. She played multiple musical instruments — guitar, harmonica, and accordion — and was a familiar presence at gatherings where friends and church family would come together in the yard to play instruments, sing hymns, and share meals under the trees. She found much joy in reading novels by Grace Livingston Hill and was devoted to her faith, serving the Lord throughout her entire life.Carolyn's generous spirit and her loving nature left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She took immense pride in watching her children grow and flourished in roles that allowed her to nurture and care for others.She is survived by her children and their spouses: Kevin Maylee and fiancée Tiesha Wampler of Gerald, Missouri; Dewayne Maylee and wife Rebecca of St. James, Missouri; Jason Maylee and wife Melinda of Pevely, Missouri; and David Maylee and wife Rachel of St. James, Missouri. Carolyn's siblings also remain to cherish her memory: sister Martha Plake and husband Don of Rolla, Missouri, and brother-in-law David Ault of Lynnville, Tennessee. She was a beloved grandmother of seven grandchildren and a great-grandmother to eight great-grandchildren, whose lives she touched with her warmth and kindness.Family, friends, and all who knew Carolyn are invited to pay their respects at a visitation on March 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Tabernacle of Praise, located at 10730 County Road 2040, Rolla, Missouri. A funeral service will follow at the same location at 11:00 a.m., celebrating her life and legacy. Tim Blackwell will officiate the funeral. Her musical talented family will provide the music. Carolyn will be gently laid to rest by her beloved Husband Kenneth, at the Hickory Grove Cemetery at Vichy, MissouriCarolyn Ruth Maylee's legacy is one of tenderhearted devotion, joyful creativity, and unwavering faith. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing her gentle spirit and generous heart.Card of Condolences and Floral offerings may be entered at www.jonesfunerals.comAll arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri