Carolyn Lenn Rader died August 8, 2024, in Norman, Oklahoma at the age of 73 years 7 months 11 days. Memorial Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the Wadley’s Funeral Chapel, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service.
Carolyn was born December 28, 1950, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma to A.H. and Lois (Jennings) Lewis. She spent her formative years in Wayne, before the family relocated to California.
On July26, 1971, Carolyn exchanged vows with Merle Aaron Rader in Lampasas, Texas, and together they were blessed with two children, Christopher and Lesley. The family later settled in Purcell in 1972, where Merle served with the Army Reserve 95th Division.
Throughout her life, Carolyn held various positions, ranging from driving a taxi to working as a cook in nursing homes and local eateries. Known for her love of coffee, she took great pleasure in preparing meals for her loved ones.
In her leisure time, Carolyn found joy in playing cards, dominoes and marbles. She was not only a devoted caregiver to her family but also extended her kindness to injured animals she encountered. Carolyn cherished moments spent with her family, often engaging in good-natured banter and ensuring she had the final word.
She adored spoiling her grandchildren and creating lasting memories through water fights. Her love for dancing led her to frequent the senior citizen center for dances. She also enjoyed watching old movies where she appreciated the performances of artists like Elvis Presley, John Wayne, and James Bond.
Always active, Carolyn constantly embarked on new projects and took pleasure in riding in vintage muscle cars. Speed limits were merely a suggestion to Carolyn, when she got behind the wheel.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, AH and Lois Lewis; her husband, Merle Rader; her son-in-law, Dean Ferran; and her grandson-in-law, Gary McGehee.
Survivors include her son, Christopher Rader and wife, Trisha; her daughter, Lesley Ferran; her grandchildren, Sara Rader and Josh, Tequlla Gowdy and Austin, Bailee Rader, Carlton Ferran and Kallie, Chris Rader Jr, Jordan Rader and Cory, and Ashley Ferran; her great-grandchildren, Lai-Lai, Dev, Mykayla, Charlene, Freya, Elyjah, Serenity, Holli, Alix, Spencer and Atheistic (on the way); her niece, Christine Mitchell and numerous other relatives and friends.