Carolyn Ruth Lewis

Carolyn Ruth (Lovelady) Haynes Lewis entered into eternal rest on January 15, 2026, at the tender age of 90 in the comfort of her own home. She was born in Santa Anna, Texas, to James and Freida (Miller) Lovelady on July 8, 1935. In 1953, she married Charles Haynes of Lone Wolf, Oklahoma. Between 1955 and 1961, they had 5 beautiful children: Ben Haynes, Jim Haynes, Mark Haynes, and identical twin girls, Jayne and Jaynelle Haynes.

Charles was a brilliant, self-taught man who pursued many passions. One of which was teaching himself to fly an airplane at the age of 15. He had lost his father when he was just 5 years old; his older brothers were all in the military and off to war, leaving Charles with his mother. That’s when he developed his first real passion, an immense love of dogs. Though having no formal education, in 1965, Charles was recruited by McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis. They moved their family to Florissant, where they resided until 1969. It was at that time that Charles decided he was not a “suit and tie” man, deciding to relocate his family to the country. It was here that he could pursue his real passion for cars and motorcycles. Carolyn supported him in all of his endeavors. They settled in the boat harbor of North Shore, along the banks of the Mississippi River. This would be the place their family would always consider their real home, even long after they moved away. During the 1970’s, they indulged their boys in the sport of motorcycle racing. These events consumed their Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for several years, with Carolyn and her girls cheering them on every step of the way. Though they divorced in 1976, Charles and Carolyn remained devoted to their children, always providing a soft place for them to land no matter their age or circumstance. Charles passed away in 1990 from complications of emphysema, surely hastened by years of custom auto body work, as well as his love of Kool cigarettes.

During the late 1970s into the mid-1980s, Carolyn enjoyed a rebirth with a loyal group of girlfriends. They could be found honky-tonkin'  most nights of the week, then get up, go to work, and do it all again the next day! These are the years when a strong bond formed with her daughters, who in their early 20s were finding their way in the world. This chapter in their lives made a lasting impression. In 1985, Carolyn settled down and married Carl (Chick) Lewis of Wentzville, MO, where they resided until his death in 1998.

In January 2001, Carolyn relocated to Farmington. Her daughter Jayne and her husband Larry had moved there in 1995, so it was a natural transition. Her new home would become what her family considered her “happy place”. Upon moving to Farmington, she also adopted the nickname CC. While living here, she joined several Veterans organizations where she met many friends, always enjoying country music on the jukebox as well as a fruity cocktail! Being an animal lover herself, CC happily volunteered at the Farmington Pet Adoption Center’s thrift store for 5 years, starting in 2008. There, she thoroughly enjoyed engaging with the customers. As the years passed, CC gradually became more content with a simple life of playing bingo, rummy, and Mexican dominoes. In all, she could easily beat any opponent she faced. Her easy-going nature, quick wit, and salty sense of humor made her a joy to be around. She loved live music and loved being around people.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, her two sisters, Jeanette and Alice Anna. Also, her dear son Mark passed in 2003.

She is survived by her four children, Ben, Jim, Jaynelle, Jayne, and her son-in-law Larry, whom she considered a great gift to her small family.

She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and humor that will be remembered forever by all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to thank Serenity Hospice for their support and compassion during the final chapter of Carolyn’s life.

The family also asks that any memorials in her honor be made to The Farmington Pet Adoption Center, PO Box 45, Farmington, Mo 63640.

Fly high mom, we won’t be far behind.