Carolyn Stout

Carolyn Rhodes Hill Stout, of Carrollton, KY, passed away on April 22, 2016 in Lexington, KY. She was 92 years old. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and John A. Bell, IV Lexington, KY, and her grandchildren, John A. Bell , V (Beth) of New York City, Rhodes Patton Bell, (Sarah), Fallston, MD, and Laura Riddle Bell Murphy (Chris) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and great-granddaughters, Samantha Hill Bell and Eleanor Gay Bell, NYC. She was predeceased by her husband, H. Riddle Stout , her son, David Lyter Stout, and her sister, Martha Jean Hill Ferger. Carolyn was born to the late Susan and Nathan Hill, in Carrollton, on September 26, 1923. Other than the 3 ½ years she lived in Lexington while attending the University of Kentucky, Carolyn spent her entire life in Carrollton. She loved Carrollton and Carrollton loved her.

While growing up in Carrollton, she loved everything "small town." Following the premature death of her father, her beloved Aunt Jessie and Uncle Lyter Donalson, along with her grandparents, William and Laura Hill, joined her mother in providing a picture-perfect childhood. She told stories of riding her pony around town, walking to the movie theatre, and having Coca-Colas at the Gypsy Grill. Her summers were spent with the "other side" of her family at Park Lake, outside of Flemingsburg, with her mother's sister and her cousins, Marian, Ruth, Sue Ann, Nancy, and Charles Bradford. Her relationship with her cousins was more similar to that of siblings.

Carolyn graduated from Carrollton High School and the University of Kentucky. At UK, she was a member of Kappa Delta, and Kappa Tau Alpha and Omicron Delta Kappa honor societies., and served as the first female editor of the Kentucky Kernel. Following graduation, she returned to Carrollton and a job at the News Democrat. It was then, in 1945, walking home from work, that she stopped at the Sandefur Tavern and met Riddle Stout. In 6 short weeks, she was engaged, and married him in the fall. They shared their first home with their lifelong friends Jean and Perry Dean and began an adventure of 52 years, lasting until Riddle's death in 1997.

Books have always been an important part of Carolyn's life. For over 40 years, she had an "upstairs book" and a "downstairs book" - one fiction and one nonfiction - reading both at the same time. She estimated that she had read over 1000 books. She was instrumental in establishing the first public library in Carrollton and served on the library board for over 20 years. Her leadership and contribution to the expansion of the Carrollton library lead to the creation of the Riddle Stout Family Room, which houses the Kentucky history collection.

Known for her ease in frequent conversation, Carolyn had the ability to make everybody feel important. Whether you were her family, friend, neighbor or even a stranger, she lived her life to makes yours better. She was an educator at heart, and never missed a chance to share her wisdom. She volunteered for over 30 years as a reading tutor and established a college scholarship at Carroll County High School in memory of her son, David. In her later years she became quite involved with farming and the stock market, citing her knowledge learned from Riddle. She enjoyed her involvement in the Moneyline Investment Club and in her final months, she was still advising which stocks to buy. She loved to play bridge and was in the same bridge club for over 60 years.

The loves of her life were her children and then, her grandchildren. She loved hosting "Camp GaGa" for their visits in Carrollton, and took great pride in their accomplishments in life. Her unwavering support of them was never ending.

In addition to the survivors listed above, Carolyn is survived by her beloved nephews, Steven Hill Ferger and S. Trevor Ferger, Jr, (Pam), niece Susan Keller, and nephews, Dennis Godecke (Tina), Bill Godecke (Karen), and Paul Godecke (Geri), daughter-in-law, Maureen Stout, and great nieces and nephews, Stan Ferger, III (Courtney), Martha Ferger, Susan Ferger, John Keller, Jennifer Keller, Megan Lentz, Colin Godecke, Mark Godecke, Steven Godecke, Quinn Godecke, Kelly Godecke, Chase Godecke, Kyle Godecke, and her brother-in-law, Clarence Godecke. She was predeceased by her sister-in-law Peggy Stout Godecke and her niece, Susan Rhodes Ferger Burke. The family would like to thank the sweet staff at Fairview in Carrollton and Wanda Green in Lexington for assistance in Carolyn's care during her final year.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 16, 2016, at the Carrollton Christian Church in Carrollton at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Tim Polley officiating. Visitation will be from 12 pm - 1 pm before the service at the church. The burial will be private. The family suggests memorials to the Carroll County Public Library, 136 Court Street, Carrollton, KY, 41008 or Carrollton Christian Church, 310 5th Street, Carrollton, KY 41008.

Visitation

Visitation will be from 12 - 1 pm before the service at the church.

Funeral

A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 16, 2016, at the Carrollton Christian Church in Carrollton at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Tim Polley officiating.

Interment

The burial will be private.