Geneva “Carolee” Barton

    Geneva “Carolee” Barton, 96, of Thayer, Missouri, passed away on March 13, 2025, at Shady Oaks Healthcare in Thayer, Missouri. She was born on November 3, 1928, in Oregon County, Missouri to Arlie Hays and Eunice Martin Hays. Geneva married the love of her life, Willard Thomas Barton on October 27, 1945, in Garfield, Missouri, a loving and blessed union that lasted for forty-two years, until his passing in 1987.

    Carolee was a member of the Thayer Freewill Baptist Church and for thirty-five years she guided and educated children in Sunday School. She was a devoted caregiver and provided childcare for twenty years. All her “kids” were considered her grandchildren. She touched the lives of many and was fondly known as Ms. Carolee.

    Carolee is survived by one daughter, Geneva Smith and her husband David, one son, Loren Barton and wife Shelly, four grandchildren, Michelle Smith Bates, Kevin Smith, Matthew Barton, and Faith Barton House, six great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and two siblings, Betty Hays Hendrix and husband Bill, and Reva Hays Baker and Husband Sherman.  

    She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, one daughter, Patricia Barton Burgess, stepmother, Lavern Hays, and two siblings, Raymond Hays and Irl Hays Martin.  

    She will be fondly remembered for her chicken and dumplings, grapenut pudding, and rice crispies. Carolee will be greatly missed.

In leu of flowers the family has asked that all memorials be made to: 

The Gideons International

P.O. Box 404

Thayer, Missouri, 65791

A Graveside Service will be on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at the Cave Springs Cemetery of Alton, Missouri.

Officiating will be Brother Richard Robinson and Brother Melvin Hass. Pallbearers will be Loren Barton, Matthew Barton, David Smith, Austin Goodman, Sherman Baker and Bill Hendrix. 

Services in care of Carter Funeral Home Inc., – Thayer, Missouri