Carolyn Rickels
April 17, 1950 ~ April 30, 2023
Carolyn Blanch Rickels-Port, 73, of Central City, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2023. Funeral Services: 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 5, 2023, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon. Please wear your favorite Iowa Hawkeye clothes for her service. Visitation: 5-8 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial: Jordan's Grove Cemetery, Central City.
Survivors include her children, Jenny Rickels, Whitney (Emilie) Port, Kevin (Rhonda) Port, and Andrew (Erika) Palmer; grandchildren, Madison, Liz, Andy, Jamie, Dustin, Shawn, and many more; her brother, Henry (Gloria) Dose; and her faithful canine companion, Lily.
Carolyn was born on April 17, 1950, in Monticello, Iowa, the daughter of Robert and Glendola (Emerson-Clary) Dose. She graduated from Central City High School in 1968 and from a dental hygienist school in Milwaukee. Carolyn was married to Merle Rickels before divorcing. Later she married Maurice Port. She worked various places over the years, notably Wilson's and F.B. & Company before spending ten years in sales for Yellow Book. One of her jobs earned her the honor of being the first woman to spray anhydrous ammonia.
Carolyn enjoyed keeping busy with crafts, reading, going to garage sales, and being a big fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes. During the holidays she loved making Christmas cards for veterans in Iowa City. On most days you would find her with a cup of coffee in hand, ready for conversation, and a round of cards.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brother, Robert 'Bobby' Dose.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.
Those unable to attend are invited to watch the service via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Carolyn's Tribute Wall and share your support and memories with her family at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Mount Vernon
Carolyn and I grew up together, went to school from grade school and up. Hung out together a lot, when our chores were done or weekends. She is a few months younger than me. It saddened me to hear of her passing. I would like her family to know that my thoughts and prayers are with them. RIP Carolyn 🙏
Carolyn was married to my uncle Merle, even after their divorce she was always still our aunt Carolyn. We loved her to pieces. Such a great person to everyone. It meant the world to us when she showed up to our mothers funeral in Wisconsin back in 2017. Showed just what a great person she was. Her family is in our thoughts and prayers. Love Gary and Deb Olson and family.
Whitney, your mom was one awesome lady! I know your dad and my mom are greeting her with arms wide open. I love you and your family are in my thoughts
Carolyn and I spent alot of time together during high school. We were in Waubeek or she came to the farm. We never got into serious trouble but came close a few times. Even though we lost touch, I have always considered her a great friend. Reat in peace my friend. Until we meet again……
Phyllis Joslin Pflughaupt
I went to high school with Carolyn. So very sorry for your loss. You will all be in my thoughts & prayers. May the Lord wrap His loving arms around you all and give you peace & comfort.
I’m so sorry for your loss. You’re Mom and I were friends in school. We shared a room when we went to Des Moines for girls basketball tournament. We talked almost all night. We laughed cried. ❤🙏😪
Whitney & Emilie,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Never enough time.
Love you,
Julie & Allie
We are all thinking of you and sending you thoughts of comfort. Love, Dad/Pete, Bridgette, Alyssa, Brian, Hannah, Chloe, Lillianna, Brinley, Nikki
I’m started school with Carolyn. Road the bus with her and her brothers Henry and Bobby. A lot of Waubeek memories. Rest easy Carolyn.
Rest in paradise, Sweet Carolyn Rickels Port. aka “Buckwheat”.
I can honestly say having known you all my life has been an absolute pleasure. Always the life of our OLM (Old Lady Meeting) and always brought such crafty ideas to share.
Always willing to lend a hand and every person’s life you touched including mine is a better because of you. You will be greatly missed. Thank you for loving my family the way you did, we loved you back equally as much.
My hearts goes out to the family and know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
I have so many memories from their little monkey, cleaning house, singing in the Hudson with no radio, on our way to Emerson’s, going to her accordion lessons & waiting out a tornado along with some kind of greasy face stuff that we thought made us beautiful. Rest in peace, Carolyn. You were one of a kind & will be greatly missed😢
With deepest sympathy from your family in California.
Me and my grandma we close we celebrated a lot with me and my family we will miss you very much I’m sorry it was ur time to go but u will always be in our hearts and prayers
love ur grandson Hawkin Port-Lettington
My grandma was the best grandma ever I will remember every moment we had with family u will be in our hearts and prayers ty for being so awesome grandma
In addition to being sweet, kind, and caring, Carolyn was smart, clever, and funny. I’ll never forget her dry sense of humor and keen wit. She is a beautiful soul. Her last few weeks and days were rough, but she had her loved ones by her side. Carolyn remains in my thoughts and prayers.
Carolyn always had a way of making you laugh no matter the situation! I could call her in tears and she would have me laughing in no time! Her nickname for me was Mo Schmo and my boys call me that too! My nickname for her was Goat and we loved to share goat pics and videos with each other! I will truly miss you, my Goat friend! ❤️❤️
Carolyn I’m so mad at myself for not high tailing it to you to visit one last time!! I know you’re in a better place and with all your loved ones that couldn’t wait for your arrival. I’ll miss you and always will wish I had visited!!
To Carolyn’s family if you need anything let me know!! Whitney it was always fun when we’d go out and you’d join your mom. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!! Christine Knight