Carolyn Virginia Spearing , 103 years and 10 months, passed away on June 25, 2025 surrounded by her family in Alliance, Nebraska. She was born in Cimarron, Kansas on August 20, 1921 to Raleigh and Gussie (Thompson) Erdman.
She graduated from Cimarron High School in May, 1939. In May, 1943, She received her Bachelor of Science in Education Degree from Emporia State Teachers College, Kansas. While at the college, she was a member of the Kappa Delta Pi, an honorary educational society..
On August 20, 1943, Carolyn married Joseph Hall Spearing in Kansas City, Kansas. They lived in Kansas City, KS while Joe attended KU Medical school, and in Baltimore, MD while Joe was in residency. Their first child, Anne, was born in 1945. While Joe was in the service, they lived at Fort Riley, KS and at Fort Ord, CA. When WWII was over, they moved to Council Bluffs, IA where their second child, John, was born in 1948 . Shortly after that, they moved to Harlan, IA, where Joe acquired an active practice. Carolyn spent the last 15 years in Omaha and Alliance, NE to be closer to her grandchildren.
Carolyn is survived by her daughter Anne (John T.) Adam of Alliance, NE, her son John R. (Luann) Spearing of Cartersville, GA; her grandchildren Elizabeth (Thomas) Rankin of Omaha, NE, Alexander (Natalie) Adam of Alliance,NE and her stepgrandson, Jaron (Eleanor) Bergin of Houston, TX. Also her great-grandchildren Anna, Madison, Chloe, Samuel, Margaret, and Cici. She's also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, their infant daughter, her parents, her brothers and their wives, Raleigh (Audrey) Erdman, Jr. and William (Pat) Erdman and her grandson, Joshua J. Spearing. Also her In-laws Edwin Spearing, Joe (Margie) Downey and Dee Spearing, and nieces, Kathy Erdman, Suzanne Wyatt, and Marilyn Reymann.
In her own way, Carolyn, being the spitfire that she was, gave love and support to her family, friends, organizations and Community! She’ll be dearly missed but will be remembered for her.
Carolyn Spearing’s graveside service will be at the Harlan Iowa Cemetery on Thursday, July 17th at 11:00 am followed by a luncheon reception at the Milk and Honey. Friends and family are welcome!