Caroline Elizabeth (Rollings) Wilson

November 1, 2019

Caroline Elizabeth (Rollings) Wilson, 90, went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 in Overland Park, Kansas.  She was born at home June 12, 1929, to Carroll Eldon and Marjorie Anne (Richards) Rollings in Delphos, Kansas. Caroline’s family moved to Kansas City, Kansas when she was five years old.  She grew up there, along with her younger brother, James W., graduating from Wyandotte High School in 1947. Later in the year, she attended Brown-Mackie School of Business in Salina, taking secretarial courses.  

While working in Salina at School Specialty, she met William George  “Bill” Wilson. They were married Easter Sunday April 13, 1952 in Kansas City and then moved to Carlton.  During the early years of their married life, they were on the “harvest trail”, planting spring wheat in South Dakota and then traveling south to Oklahoma.  As the wheat ripened, they worked their way back up north.  

In 1956, Bill and Caroline moved to the George F. Rollings farm in Delphos.  While there, four children were born, David L. (August 5, 1956), Elizabeth A. (August 21, 1957), Dan T. (October 31, 1959), and Elaine M. (December 31, 1965).  They enjoyed their growing family, socializing with neighbors, and square dancing. The family was very involved in the Delphos Presbyterian Church.   

Caroline accepted Christ at an early age and then re-dedicated herself to the LORD in September of 1966.  After Bill’s untimely death October 26, 1967, she was encouraged to move back to Kansas City. She chose to stay on the farm, devoting herself to the children and providing the stability they needed.  Her faith in Jesus and the support of her church family were very important to her during this difficult time. 

Once all the children were in school, Caroline worked at the Delphos Rest Home as activity director, using her crafting and people skills.  In 1980, she moved to Minneapolis, so Elaine wouldn’t have to drive from the farm alone. She continued to be involved in the Delphos Presbyterian Church for many years, especially enjoying the ladies work days, tying quilts and packing care packages for missionary projects.  

In Minneapolis, Caroline worked at the city office and later the Ottawa County Register of Deeds office, retiring in 1994.  In retirement, she had more time to devote to her love of crafts. She took every opportunity to teach grandchildren, community children and adults new skills.  

In 2009, Caroline moved to the Elkhorn Apartments and enjoyed her years there.  One of the highlights was meeting with Pastor Michelle and others for weekly devotions and prayer at the donut shop.  Later, this meeting became known as “Donut Church” and continues today at the Elkhorn Apartments community room. 

In September of 2017, Caroline moved to an assisted living facility in Overland Park to be near Dan and Elaine.  She resided there at the time of her death.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brother, J.W. Rollings and his wife, Joyce.

Survivors are her children, David and wife, Christine Wilson of Glasco, Elizabeth and husband, Timothy Cress of Weskan, Dan and wife, Melanie Wilson of Olathe, and Elaine and husband, Timothy Talbert of Olathe; grandchildren, Natalie (Cress) and husband, Christopher Morton of Swalwell, AB in Canada, Tiffany (Cress) and husband, Benjamin Solum of Olathe, Emma (Cress) and husband, Todd Strand of Tulsa, OK, Wilson Cress of Weskan, Peter Cress of Weskan, Hannah Cress of Weskan, William Wilson of Olathe, Danielle (Wilson) and husband, Christopher Melton of Overland Park, Andrew Talbert and wife, Chloe of St. Louis, MO, Isaac Talbert of Little Rock, AR, Ezra Talbert and wife, Meegan of Greenbrae, CA, and Josiah Talbert of Olathe; and great-grandchildren, Michael Morton, Elliott Morton, and Victoria Solum. 

Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, November 2, 2019 at the Delphos Presbyterian Church.  Burial will be in the Delphos Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Friday, November 1, at Wilson Family Funeral Home, Minneapolis.  Memorials may be made to the Delphos Presbyterian Church and may be left in care of Wilson Family Funeral Home, 405 Argyle Ave., Minneapolis, KS 67467.