Carolyn Sue Root

Carolyn Sue Root, 78, died Thursday, December 17, 2009, at Stormont-Vail Healthcare in Topeka after a brief illness.
She was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 31, 1931. Carolyn was the daughter of Delbert and Lerah Lacey, who preceded her in death. She married Chester A. "Chet" Root, on May 19, 1955. Chet passed away in 1992. She is survived by 3 sons – Yukihiro Mizutani, of Queens, New York, Philip E. Root, of Overland Park, Kansas, and Thomas H. Root, of Des Moines, Iowa – and a daughter, Lacey C. Grey and son-in-law, Stephen D. Grey of Philadelphia, PA. Carolyn had 8 beloved grandchildren – Tony and Emily Mizutani, Jacob, Douglas and Allison Roe, Benjamin R. Roe of Columbus, GA, and Jason D. Roe of Topeka.
Carolyn was a member of Sigma Kappa sorority and graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Music Education in June 1953. She began her career as a music teacher in Winchester, Kansas, eventually moving to the Topeka Public School District where she taught music at several elementary schools. Carolyn played the violin in the Topeka Civic Symphony for 47 years. Carolyn was a charter member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, where she was active as an elder, as the choir director, and as the organist.
Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 12 noon at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Topeka. Memorial contributions can be made to the Carolyn Root Memorial Fund at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 1821 SW 37th St., Topeka, KS 66611. Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements.