Carolyn Dodd Obituary

Carolyn Janice Young, 91, passed away July 23, 2024, at Bickford of West Des Moines. She was the youngest child of Mark and Carrie (Richardson) Young, was born on a farm six and a half miles northwest of Gravity, Iowa on October 26, 1932. She attended Holt #8, a one room country school, through 5th grade, when the school closed due to the lack of students. In the 6th grade, she attended Washington #2 country school, and went to junior high school in Gravity, Iowa. Carolyn graduated from Gravity High School as Valedictorian of her class in 1951. She played basketball, lettering on the high school team while in the 8th grade and was captain of the team in her senior year. She sang in Glee Club, Girl’s Sextet, played clarinet in the band, received the citizenship award and received recognition for completing school without being absent or tardy.

As a child, Carolyn attended Oak Hill Congregational Country Church near her farm home and was baptized in her family farm pond on August 21, 1943. She was a 4-H member and a county officer one year. In September 1951, Carolyn moved to Des Moines, Iowa where she was employed by Employers Mutual Casualty Company for about 10 years as a policy typist, lead clerk and Junior underwriter. On June 29, 1958, Carolyn married John M. Bennett at Oak Hill Church. They were blessed with one son, Marvin Bennett of West Des Moines, Iowa. Carolyn was a stay-at-home mom most of the time Marvin was growing up and went to his ballgames, track meets, band concerts and Scout meetings. When Marvin went off to college, Carolyn started working at The Ag Trader, later for C & J Leasing Corp., as a bookkeeper. She retired from C & J Leasing after almost 30 years. She was divorced in 1984 from John Bennett.

On Mary 22, 1993, Carolyn was united in marriage to Robert L. Dodd in the chapel of First Christian Church, Des Moines. They spent happy retirement years together traveling, participating in the Iowa Senior Olympics, where Carolyn was one of the first to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, winning over 279 medals, and enjoying 13 grandchildren and their activities. Carolyn also was active in bowling, line dancing and church activities. She transferred her membership to Central Christian Church in Des Moines in February 1956. Central merged with University Christian Church to form First Christian Church, where Carolyn was an usher, greeter at the visitor’s desk, banker, a longtime member of a circle group, Chair of the Elders, Chair of Diaconate, Chair of nominating committee, Prayer Group co-coordinator, First Vice President, served on Department of Worship, Fellowship and Stewardship, helped serve funeral luncheons, called on the homebound and volunteered at Logos. Carolyn played on the church co-ed softball and volleyball teams, the women’s basketball team and helped coach the girls’ basketball team.

Carolyn is survived by her son, Marvin (Linda) Bennett of West Des Moines; step daughters, Kathy (Keith) Wunder of West Des Moines, Beth (Dan) Forbes of Boise, Idaho, and Jean (Charlie) Neibergall of Urbandale; step daughter in law, Diane Dodd; her grandsons, Aaron Bennett and Anthony Bennett; step grandchildren, Eric Schade, Brandon Forbes, Megan (Jeff) DePoorter, Matthew (Caroline) Dodd, Clay Wunder, Katie (Matt) Denker, Michael (Melody) Dodd, Emily (Evan) Neise, Nick Neibergall, Clifton Waterman and Abby Neibergall; 18 step great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; parents; stepson, David Dodd; siblings Arville Glen Young, Helen Mae Burright, Frances Young and Bill Young; stepdaughter, Mary Waterman and niece, Linda Burright.

Visitation will be 10AM - 11AM Friday, July 26, 2024, at Iles Westover Chapel with the funeral service at 11 AM. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.ilesCares.com
Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel

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