Carolyn was born in 1936 in Buhler, Kansas and attended Buhler High School where she graduated as valedictorian. From an early age, she loved music and was a gifted student, with her talent as a classically trained pianist earning her a statewide award. She attended Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas, where she met her first husband, John Heflebower. They were married in 1956.
The couple lived in San Francisco while John earned his medical degree, where they started their family, welcoming three children; Esther, Lisa, and John Charles (Chuck). After John's graduation, they moved to Fresno to raise their family and together welcomed their youngest child, Laura.
A skilled and gifted writer, Carolyn worked as a medical and technical writer and also did medical transcription.
She continued to enjoy music throughout her life, and valued education and learning, both for herself and others. She supported the cultivation of musical learning through the next generations of the family, attending her grandchildren's recitals and ensuring everyone had a piano to play.
Carolyn's life was grounded in her Christian faith. She loved Jesus and cared for others, continuing to grow and deepen her faith throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Esther Siemens, John Heflebower, and her great grandson Henry Robertson. She is survived by her husband, Milt Hallett; sisters Suzanne Hale and Elizabeth Dickson; four children, Esther (Robby) Robertson, Lisa (James) Quist, Chuck (Alma) Heflebower, and Laura (William) Rios; eleven grandchildren: Amanda, Dustin, Zack, Robert, AJ, Hannah, Jacob, Rebecca, Tyler, Josh, and Emily, and seventeen great grandchildren.
One of Carolyn's favorite verses, Proverbs 16:9: "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."
Family members who would like to attend the graveside service may contact Laura Rios for details at (559) 908-1508.
