Carolyn Joan Cherry Boyll

Born on March 2, 1935, in the community of Ferrysburg, Michigan, Carolyn was the beloved daughter of Joseph LeRoy Pedelty and Emma Harriet Dreese. Although her parents did not attend college, they deeply valued education and made it their mission to provide opportunities for their children. In 1957, Joseph passed away. In 1960, Emma married Frank Kwolek, who embraced and continued the family’s commitment to the education of Norm, Dolores “Dee,” and Carolyn. He further supported Carolyn’s educational aspirations, helping her pursue her passion for learning and teaching.

This foundation of hard work and purpose inspired all three children to pursue careers of service. Carolyn’s older brother, Norm Pedelty, became a doctor; her older sister, Dolores “Dee” Peterson, became a nurse; and Carolyn pursued her passion for learning. She earned a master’s degree in education and a reading specialist credential, then dedicated 32 years of her life to teaching.

Carolyn was the beloved “Auntie Joanie” to Norm and Dee’s children. She spent many hours with her nieces and nephews and often told heartwarming stories about babysitting them.

Carolyn possessed a rare and versatile gift for education. Throughout her career, she skillfully taught children in every grade from kindergarten through eighth grade. She spent most of her career shaping young minds in Arizona’s Cartwright School District No. 83, making a lasting difference for generations of families. As a certified reading specialist, she opened the doors of literacy to countless children, patiently giving them the skills and confidence they needed to succeed.

Known for her resilience, Carolyn spent the first part of her teaching career braving cold winters, first in Michigan and later in Kingman, Arizona. She loved sharing stories about her early days of teaching, particularly the challenges of playground and bus-stop duty. No matter how low the temperatures dropped or how fiercely the snow blew, the dress codes of the time required her to watch over the children while wearing formal dresses and pantyhose. Through it all, she remained a steady source of warmth and light, welcoming students out of the cold and into a classroom where they felt safe and encouraged.

Carolyn’s mother, Emma, instilled in her a lifelong wanderlust and desire to see the world. Emma loved learning about other countries and cultures by reading encyclopedias, but she never had the financial means to visit the places that captured her imagination. When Carolyn was in her 50s, Emma gave her $1,000 to take her first cruise. She wanted her daughter to experience the places she had only read about.

That generous gift opened a whole new world for Carolyn and inspired a lifetime of adventure. Following that first voyage, Carolyn went on more than 60 cruises to destinations around the world, fulfilling both her own dreams and those her mother had lovingly passed on to her.

Outside the classroom, Carolyn was an expert bargain hunter who delighted in finding a good deal. She was legendary among her family for her shopping trips to Dillard’s, where she followed one unshakable rule: If an item was not at least 60 percent off, it simply was not going home with her.

Carolyn spent many happy days bargain hunting with her daughter-in-law, Kate. Their shopping adventures created treasured memories filled with laughter, companionship, and the thrill of finding the perfect deal. Carolyn always looked lovely, with her hair beautifully styled, her makeup perfect, and her colorful, sparkly outfits carefully coordinated to match the twinkle in her eye.

Carolyn’s first husband was Charles James Munn. Together, Carolyn and Charles adopted and lovingly raised their three children: Mary Lou Stull, Susan Ann Jackson, and James Munn. Charles preceded Carolyn in death.

Carolyn shared an especially close bond with her daughters, Susan Ann Jackson and Mary Stull. For many decades, Carolyn and Susie spoke nearly every day, nurturing a loving relationship that brought them both great joy and comfort. Susan preceded Carolyn in death on June 6, 2020. Mary lived close to Carolyn. They enjoyed many holiday meals at Carolyn’s home and outings to Walmart and IHOP.

In 1974, Carolyn married her second husband, Bill Cherry, and together they joined their two families. Bill brought three children to their blended family: his sons, Tom and Robert, and his daughter, Linda. Their marriage created an extended family filled with shared experiences and many cherished memories. Bill’s expertise in technology and computers furthered his stepson James’ interest in computer science. This helped to inspire James’ attainment of a Software Engineering degree from A.S.U. Bill Cherry passed away in August, 2011.

Carolyn married her beloved husband, Willis Boyll, on Valentine’s Day in 2012. She was warmly welcomed into his family by his children: Willa and her husband, Dave; Terry and his wife, Susan; Tom and his wife, Carol; Curt and his wife, Gail; Chuck and his wife, Cindy; and Mary Huggins.

Chuck and Cindy often sent Carolyn beautiful flowers and loving cards. When Cindy published her first book, she delighted Carolyn by sending her a signed copy. The Boyll family’s loving acceptance brought Carolyn great happiness and added another treasured chapter to her life.

Tom and his wife, Carol, warmly welcomed Carolyn and spent many happy hours with her and Will. Tom fondly remembers Carolyn and Will’s joyful approach to life, summed up in the motto they often repeated: “If it isn’t fun, then we won’t do it!”

Carolyn and Will enjoyed many cruises together, embracing laughter, adventure, and the pleasure of discovering new places. At the time of Will’s passing on January 17, 2021, they had three more cruises scheduled—an enduring reflection of the joyful life they shared and the future adventures they had planned together.

After Will passed away, Willa helped Carolyn find Ellie at the Arizona Humane Society. Ellie, an adorable 14-pound Chihuahua–Cairn Terrier mix, became Carolyn’s devoted and constant companion. Carolyn faithfully made monthly donations to the Arizona Humane Society because, in her own words, “They gave me my Ellie.” The love and companionship Ellie brought to Carolyn’s life meant more to her than words could express.

Carolyn also cherished the many pleasant weekend afternoons she spent with her son James and his wife, Kate. After church on Sundays, she was always ready for an outing and especially loved dining at lively restaurants bustling with families, laughter, and fun. She delighted in the energy around her and treasured this special time with James and Kate.

Carolyn’s proudest legacy lives on through her seven cherished grandchildren: Michael, Amanda, Steven, Katlyn, Natalie, Andrew, and Meredith. She will also be lovingly remembered by her children and their families; Bill’s children and their families; Willis’s children and their families; and the countless students, friends, and colleagues whose lives she touched and forever changed.

A Memorial Service will be held at West Resthaven Funeral Home, 6450 West Northern Ave, Glendale, Arizona 85301, on October 24, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Carolyn’s memory to:Arizona Humane Society Attn: Development Department 1521 W. Dobbins Road Phoenix, AZ 85041 Phone: 602-997-7585 Email: [email protected]

Please indicate that the donation is being made in memory of Carolyn Boyll.