"The proper time to influence the character of a child is about a hundred years before he or she is born." (Dean Inge) I am so very honored to be a Grandchild of the Carrie Ostert and Merle Caraway union, and to have been blessed with the timeless & priceless values of love for God, and family, and neighbor, and country, and even hard work. I am touched by the beautiful sentiments that have been expressed here by so many, and by those who were able to help celebrate my Grandmother's life with us at the service - it is inspiring to see how many lives she impacted. My cousins, Carla, Joni & Diana have done a beautiful job of expressing some of the mutually shared memories & experiences that many of us remember. Carrie just had a knack for making everyone who walked through her door feel welcome, important, and at home. Grandma had an awesome memory and was a gracious listener. She modeled the importance of treating someone with respect even if they lived a lifestyle she didn't agree with, or did things she wouldn't, or were just plain annoying. Although she was delightfully competitive when it came to playing cards, she had a strong sense of fair play and was dedicated to treating her children and grandchildren equitably and fairly - like when she would send a birthday card with a dollar bill in it to each of her grandchildren, which was amazing since there are 26 of us! I remember how humbled I was years ago to learn that she prayed for all of her several generations of family - by name - each night before she went to sleep. My Dad, Donald would always tell others what a great cook his Mom was and that no apple pie could even come close to her one-crust apple pie - and my Mom, Rose would often say that Carrie was the perfect mother-in-law - I think they are both right. There is a Bible verse that reminds me of my Grandmother's life, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." May we each continue to run life's race with some of the dignity, integrity, tenacity, love and compassion that she did. Thank you for your extravagant love, Grandma - you will be greatly missed!

My sympathies to the Caraway family on the loss of Carrie. My mother (Mildred Owen Bock) and Carrie were lifetime friends and went to school together when their families lived in Clay Mills. After I retired and went to see Mom, we'd often make a drive to Carrie's and spend time catching up on the familes and rememberiing the "old days" What a sweet lady to be able to say she's a friiend.

Our Aunt Carrie holds only fond memories in my heart. I did not realize my youngest son Stephen was born on her birthday. She knew how to make you feel loved and at home. I know she was a big support for many. Especially my sister when our mom, Virginia passed. Like Gloria said, "We are better people for knowing and spending time with her. Rest in peace,
Sweet Aunt Carrie!

I am sorry I could not resist from posting again . I too agree that it was a lovely service and luncheon. A great person like grandma attracts other great people so I enjoyed being in such great company. I pray Grandma Carrie heard all the nice things being said about her. You could feel the love in the room. I knew I loved my grandma but had no idea how many other lives she had touched. Everyone who was in attendance and who is reading this now has been touched in some way by Carrie Caraway. I was telling a friend about the awesome turnout for her celebration of life. My friend thought that was odd since most people who live that long would already be preceded in death by most of their friends and loved ones. My grandma was not a celebrity, not a businesswoman, never had any facebook friends and yet she was loved and admired by many , simply by being nice and compassionate to others. What a concept! Another lesson learned from my grandma. Even now, more than ever I am convinced she truly is a beautiful angel.

Aunt Carrie was the saving grace of our family. My mother, Virginia (Ralston) Bohannon took great comfort from her loving Aunt Carrie and always sent her a Mother's Day card. When she passed four years ago, it was Aunt Carrie who comforted me. Her gentle manner and open heart have touched us all so deeply, it's hard to express just how much we will miss her. We will always remember her and try to be better people for having known such a wonderful woman.

What an incredibly kind, selfless, humble, fun-loving lady! A treasured friend to my Mom and a mother-in-law that Nancy appreciated and admired so much. Indeed, she will be greatly missed but what a legacy her life, well-lived, leaves. I, too, picture the card club whooping it up just like they used to do in our living room! Makes me smile just thinking about it. Thank you, God, for wonderful memories filled with very special people!

When I was a child, I stayed with Carrie for an afternoon. I'm sure she was busy, but the way I remember it, she was very patient and had all the time in the world to include me in her daily routine. One thing she needed to do was go check on Merle in the field so, she made a snack of homemade peanut butter crackers and we went looking for Merle. Seems like a simple thing, but I remember that afternoon as if it was yesterday. She made a simple task of checking on Merle an event to be remembered for 40+ years. Sorry I won't be able to see everyone at the funeral as I will be working. I would love to visit with everyone and hear 99 years of memories of a wonderful lady.

RIP Great Aunt Carrie. God needed another angel to watch over the rest of our family and he chose you.Love Always!

Anna Mae and Mona - My deepest sympathies to you and your family members. It's always difficult to lose a mother regardless of their age. After my husband retired, we moved back to Jones County where we both grew up and settled into a house just outside of Anamosa six years ago. I had the opportunity to visit with your mother several times over that time and I was always amazed that she remembered who I was - that Johnson girl who was a high school friend of Anna's. I regret that I will not be able to attend the celebration of her life services, but I am certain memories of your Mom will be cherished for the rest of our lives.

It was with a great sense of loss that we received word of Aunt Carrie's passing. She was a great lady and will always remain in our hearts. My fondest memories of Aunt Carrie were when our family moved to a farm next to Merle and Carrie's farm when I was 5 years old. I will always cherish those fond memories. As we are in Arizona and won't be able to attend the services, Sue and I extend our sympathies and our sincere prayers go out to the whole family. May God bless.

What a lovely lady! What a remarkable life! My deepest sympathy to all who knew & loved her. I will treasure numerous memories of my childhood days in Monmouth that include Carrie & her always sweet, gentle nature. God certainly blessed this world for 99 years.

Dear Caraway Family,

Our Thoughts and Prayers are with all of you.

What a nice picture of your Mom. I remember having such a nice visit with her when I installed her emergency phone system and she looked so nice even though she was just getting home from the hospital.

The memories of all the Milestones Carrie reached in her life will be cherished forever.

Jim it was nice seeing you and Jan at the Anamosa Care Center in December for the Christmas party.

Our Monmouth days were special times.

We send you our "Blessings"

Carrie had 8 children, but what most people, probably even her own children don't know, is that she really had 81/2! That would be me. When I was going to be born the roads were very muddy and travel almost impossible, so dad took mother to Carrie and Merle's, by horse and wagon - they all lived in the Esgate area at that time. Dr. Jordan met everyone there and I was born with Carrie right by our side. So many wonderful memories of family; but, also, much sadness shared over the years. But Carrie's strength and calm acceptance of all things, including that terrible time when she fought and recovered from polio, are examples to us all. We cousins loved and admired her always.

The memories of when you guys lived just up and over the hill from us are valued highly. Carrie was always so nice to us. I am sorry for your loss.

When I was a kid, Carrie got polio and, as I remember,
wasn't expected to live. She not only fooled everyone,
she outlived her whole family generation. She, and, Merl
did a good job raising their 8 children. We have just
lost a kind and beautiful person.