Carolyn Burtner
Carolyn Burtner
Carolyn Burtner

Obituary of Carolyn Penner Burtner

Carolyn Penner Burtner passed away of a brain tumor February 14, 2021, in Olympia, Washington, her home of 16 years.  She was born September 15, 1943, to Erwin Penner and Marjorie Riner in Wellington, Kansas.  Over the years, she lived in Franklin, Indiana (1992-2005), Wichita, Kansas (1983-1992), Brook Park, Ohio (1977-1983), Columbia, South Carolina (1973-1977), Lexington, Kentucky (1970-1973, and various cities in Kansas (1943-1970).

 

Carolyn graduated from Wichita North High School in 1961, and earned a BA in Zoology from the University of Kansas in 1965, and an MA in Microbiology in 1970.  She married Dale K. Burtner, Jr. on June 6, 1964, in Lawrence, Kansas.  Professionally, she worked as medical researcher at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio; was a high school teacher of biology, chemistry and anatomy in Hayes, Kansas; and was a project manager at Covance in Indianapolis, Indiana (1992-2005).

 

Carolyn was an amazing woman, able to have a career and raise her children while supporting all of their activities.  She was intelligent, generous, and had a smile that many will remember forever. She enthusiastically told tales from the day with just enough exaggeration to keep people wondering.  She will always be remembered for the gleam in her eye and her warm smile.  Her winsome combination of charm and kindness made her a remarkable teacher, only to be outdone by her unassuming nature. 

 

Carolyn taught and played mahjong (frequently at the Olympia Senior Center).  She was a lifelong quilter, making many amazing quilts commerating special events for family and friends.  She was a voracious reader, an avid dog-walker (of Buddy, Bingo and Lola), a crossword enthusiast, and fan of talk radio.  She played cello in community orchestras, played the piano, and was a supporter of the Olympia Symphony and other local musical and artistic events.  She was an usher at the Washington Center, and was active in the Olympia Junior Program, which brought plays to school-age children. She leaves a rich and loving legacy. 

 

She is survived by her son, Christopher Burtner of Olympia; daughter, Jennifer Burtner of Olympia; grandchildren, Abigail, Catherine and Benjamin Burtner; brother, Bruce Penner of Charlottesville, Virginia; and sister, Evelyn Rosser of Omaha, Nebraska.  She was predeceased by her husband, Dale (8/22/2019); mother, Marjorie Prokes; and father, Erwin Penner.

 

Services will be held at a later date.

 

Memorial donations may be made to the Olympia Senior Center/Senior Services for South Sound, 222 Columbia St. NW, Olympia, WA 98501, of the Olympia Symphony Orchestra, 3400 Capitol Blvd. SE, Suite 203, Olympia, WA 98501.

 

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