Carolyn Sue Huene

Carolyn Sue Huene, age 77, of Carlyle, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2024, surrounded by her loving family in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was born on April 24, 1947, in Breese, Illinois, to Gene and Anna Marie (Schroeder) Abernathy. 

Carolyn married Jerome “Jerry” Huene on August 6, 1966, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Carlyle, and Jerry preceded her in death on January 14, 2023. She was also preceded in death by her mother and father and two daughters: Michelle Lynn Huene and Dawn Marie Huene; her in-laws, Dolores and Ben Huene. What a joyous reunion in Heaven Carolyn is having with Jerry, the girls and her family!

Carolyn is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Traci Bastuba and husband Bill, and Trischa Nabholz and husband Matt; her grandchildren, Lauren Bastuba, Ryan Bastuba, Colin Bastuba, Nick (Heather) Michniewicz, Anna Nabholz, and Drew Nabholz. She also leaves behind her siblings, Jerry (Jean) Abernathy, Jim (Judy) Abernathy, Tom (Cindy) Abernathy, and Mary (Danny) Hugo; her in-laws, David (Edith) Huene and Angie (Dick) Falbe; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many adopted children and grandchildren in four different states. 

Carolyn met her husband Jerry and loved him dearly. They met at the A&W restaurant when she got out of high school. They were married for 56 years and were always by each other’s side.  Jerry lovingly gave her one single red rose on every occasion to show that his love was only for her.  Through the years, they had a sweet message between them and signed every card and note with “DITTO DITTO DITTO”.  

If you were to ask anyone what words they would use to describe Carolyn every single one of them would use compassionate, kind hearted, faithful and selfless.  There was not anyone that she met that she did not friend and make part of her family. She had a way of making strangers feel like family. She always gave everyone the benefit of the doubt and treated them with the upmost respect.  Carolyn has always looked past flaws in humans and has chosen to see the good in their hearts. All of her daughter’s friends became her children. All of their friend’s children became her grandchildren. She wore her heart on her sleeve!  Carolyn always put everyone else first and would not have it any other way! 

Carolyn’s proudest accomplishment was her girls, grandchildren and son-in-laws.  She dedicated her life to her family.  Carolyn always added little notes and special touches to everything she did to make sure everyone felt special. She never missed a thing and was either at their activities, on face time or calling for updates.  Carolyn would talk about her family with a warmth and you could feel the love in every word. The way she could make each one of them feel like they were the most important person was priceless. They all knew they could go to her with anything and she would just love them! No questions asked…pure empathy and love! 

Carolyn loved her faith and instilled that love of God in her girls. Through the years she volunteered, was a Eucharistic minister to the sick and enjoyed going to adoration. Carolyn always said “as long as you have a little hope in your heart, you can never go wrong.” She truly believed in “faith over fear” and was a living example to all those around her.  Even when her faith was tested she trusted in God and let Him lead her path. She was a pure servant and disciple of the Lord! 

The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 11, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Carlyle, with Fr. George Mauck officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Carlyle.

Visitation will take place at Nordike Funeral Home in Carlyle on Thursday, October 10, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and again on Friday from 8:30 AM to 9:45 AM.

In lieu of flowers and other gifts, memorials made in memory of Carolyn are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Carlyle, Illinois or St.Joseph’s School Endowment in Conway, Arkansas and will be received at Nordike Funeral Home, 740 Fairfax Street, Carlyle, IL 62231.