Carolyn Applebee

Carolyn Applebee, 51, of Springfield, died on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Carolyn was born October 1, 1958 in Springfield, the daughter of Ralph Carlyle and Catherine Madonna Ryan Hibbs. She married Thomas Applebee on May 25, 1992 in Springfield. Carolyn graduated from St. John's School of Nursing and later University of Illinois- Springfield with a Bachelor's degree in nursing. She worked as a RN in the ICU at Memorial Medical Center for nearly 20 years and later in the surgical recovery department. She was a big pet lover and was a foster parent for several cats. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Tom of Springfield; her three children, Kristopher, Kasey and Katrina; a brother, Dale (wife, Jackie) Hibbs of Leesburg, FL; one aunt, Marie Merrell of FL; one nephew, Dale Hibbs, Jr. and two cousins, Todd and Tim Merrell. Family will receive friends from 4:00 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 1, 2010 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 s. 6th St., Springfield. A celebration of life will follow at 7:00 p.m. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Burial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Make-a-wish Foundation of Illinois, 640 N. LaSalle, Suite 280, Chicago, IL 60610 or Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702.