Carolyn Stull Kirkpatrick

Carolyn Jean Kirkpatrick, 90, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, peacefully following a short illness. Carolyn was born in East Wenatchee, Washington, to Byron and Gladys Stull. She spent her childhood years in East Wenatchee. Following graduation from Wenatchee High School in 1952, she enrolled in the Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Spokane, Washington. Upon completion of the nursing program in 1955, she relocated to Walla Walla, Washington, to work as an RN at General Hospital. After two years at General, she moved across town to St. Mary's Medical Center. She married Leon Kirkpatrick in 1957, settling in Walla Walla permanently. Over the course of her lifetime, she and Leon raised five children. Two of her children, Ronald and Barbara, were from Leon's first marriage to Dorothy Tompkins, who unfortunately passed away from Polio in 1951. Carolyn cared for and raised Ronald and Barbara lovingly as her own children. Carolyn remained in Walla Walla until January 1988 when she returned to East Wenatchee to care for her ailing elderly mother. She found employment as a nursing instructor at Wenatchee Valley College and part-time work at Evergreen Medical Center in Kirkland, Washington. She felt very much at home again in East Wenatchee but missed so many dear friends and family in Walla Walla. Carolyn's daily passion centered on her deep faith in God. While raised a Methodist, she later found a warm, accepting environment in the Bahá'í Faith. The Bahá'í Faith beliefs of the oneness of mankind, universal education, the equality of men and women, and the Bahá’ís work toward world peace appealed greatly to her core beliefs. Carolyn's commitment to the Bahá'í Faith was demonstrated by her involvement and service with the Bahá'ís of Walla Walla and later of East Wenatchee. She regularly hosted weekly Bahá'í prayer and study meetings in her home. Carolyn also found joy in many social activities, participating in Bahá'í and other clubs. Her spirit of volunteerism extended to the 'Adopt A Highway' program in Washington. As a lung cancer survivor, she regularly attended and supported Women Surviving Cancer of Chelan and Douglas counties. Inspired by her mother's lifelong love of teaching ceramic sculpting, Carolyn developed a passion for quilt making, knitting, and sewing, which she pursued throughout her life. Beyond her professional and spiritual pursuits, Carolyn was a beacon of love for her family and friends. Her unconditional love, warmth, and ability to see the best in people endeared her to all who knew her. Carolyn's life was a reflection of kindness, generosity, service, and genuine concern for the well-being of others. Carolyn's memory will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing and being touched by her loving spirit. Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Leon, brother Don, and sister Phyllis. She is survived by her younger brother Bud, her five children Ron (Pat) Kirkpatrick, Barbara (Mike) Mitchell, David (Nina) Kirkpatrick, Veryl (Sandra) Kirkpatrick, and Robert Kirkpatrick. Her life was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A public graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 11:00 am at Wenatchee Cemetery (section 24, lot 6, grave-site 1) in Wenatchee. A memorial service will be held on a future date. In loving memory of Carolyn, a courageous survivor of lung cancer, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, in lieu of flowers. These contributions will support ongoing research and efforts to prevent and treat lung cancer. If you wish to make a donation, please visit: DONATE.CANCER.ORG/

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Carolyn Stull Kirkpatrick

August 15, 1933 - January 23, 2024