Carolyn Lee Oetken Terrell, 78, passed away Saturday, January 3, 2026, at OakView Nursing Home in Burlington.
She was born February 5, 1947, in Burlington, to Frank and Virginia Fehseke Oetken.
Carolyn graduated from Burlington High School in the class of ’65 and graduated from Northeast Missouri State in Kirksville, Missouri. She was a speech therapist for elementary students in Liberty, Missouri, school district for thirty years. After retiring, she volunteered at a church, helping with children who are disabled and autistic.
Carolyn never forgot her Iowa roots. She loved cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes. She enjoyed returning to Burlington on vacation, catching up with classmates, and attending class reunions. However, her main pleasure in life was her kitties, rescuing many dozens of them over the years.
After her health declined, she returned to Burlington and lived at Bickford and OakView. She is survived by her best friend, Joanne Ott, and family. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents Rudolph and Caroline Fehseke, and Arthur and Lillian Oetken.
Per her wishes, cremation has been entrusted and accorded to the care of Lunning Chapel, and no services will be held.
Burial will be held in Aspen Grove Cemetery.
The Ott family would like to thank Bickford Assisted Living, OakView Nursing and Rehabilitation, and Campassus Hospice for all the love, care, and kindness given to Carolyn.
A memorial has been established in her memory for P.A.W. Animal Shelter. Memorials may be sent to 2031 48th Street, Fort Madison, Iowa 52627.