Carolyn Simpson Herrman

1932-2026 | A Life Full of Love, Joy, and Curiosity

Carolyn Simpson Herrman, 94, of Hays, Kansas, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2026 at her home in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

For 94 years, she brought love, joy, humor, and a sense of adventure to life. Carolyn was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on June 8, 1932, to Carl and Patti Simpson, joining her older sister Joanne. She graduated Central High School, attended Mills College in San Francisco and graduated from the University of Colorado.

Following college, Carolyn flew the friendly skies of United Airlines as a stewardess for several years before returning home to Tulsa and family. This is where she met the love of her life, Hank Herrman, on a blind date. They married at Christ the King Church in Tulsa, and subsequently moved to Kansas for Hank's job as an attorney with Panhandle Eastern.

Together, Hank and Carolyn raised 5 children in a household that was rarely quiet and never dull. It was known far and wide not only as the place kids and teens could gather and be welcomed, but animals too! Over the years there were also at least 17 dogs, a few cats, several hamsters, a goat, and even a bird or two! Even today friends still comment on the fact that "no matter how tired she was or how much she had planned to do, Carolyn was always ready to greet people in her home - make them feel seen and important!"

And the truth is, Carolyn WAS tired a lot. Early in their marriage Hank was diagnosed with primary progressive Multiple Sclerosis and quickly became totally disabled. In courageous love, Carolyn served as his caregiver for the majority of their 40-year marriage. And she did so with grace, humor, and a (mostly 😉) patient and faith-filled heart.

She approached motherhood the same way. One of her proudest accomplishments was that she raised her children with a strong love for each other; and, she and Hank were both committed to providing a life as full and adventurous as possible for each of them. That commitment extended beyond, as Carolyn was also a grandmother and a great grandmother. She was the fun nana that never failed to make them laugh, made summer vacations more memorable, and always gave them a safe space to land, no questions asked. Her grandkids knew that she was always up for a late night drive to look at the stars, a long walk and talk, a surprise visit, or an ice cream cone any time of the day.

Carolyn was an active member of her church and community and a lifelong learner. She took Chinese lessons (so she could welcome the foreign exchange students of Fort Hays State University), studied real estate, performed in community theater, volunteered at the Hays Arts Council, and was active in organizations including PEO and Girl Scouts.

Carolyn loved to read, and her love of books extended to her work as the head of Interlibrary Loan at Fort Hays State University and, after retiring, as a volunteer for the Hays Public Library. She also managed to find time for tennis, golf, gardening, quilting, needlepoint,and bridge clubs.

In her later years, Alzheimer's disease slowly took many of her memories and much of her ability to recognize the life she had lived. But remarkably, it never completely took away her joy, humor, or her ability to give and receive love. Even as her world grew smaller, that part of her continued to shine through, touching family, friends, and caregivers alike.

Family

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry E. Herrman; her parents; sister Jody Williams; son-in-law John Hartman; and her grandson, Sachiel Hays Kilpatrick.

She is survived by her five children: Pat Hartman of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Margaret Rhine (Greg) of Columbus, Ohio; Henry Herrman (Adriana) of New Orleans, Louisiana; John Herrman of Manila, Philippines; and Judy Kilpatrick (Lance) of Kensington, Maryland; along with six grandchildren: Anne Hartman Pagano (Holt); Meg Hartman Ritzky (Garrick); Nicole Herrman (Josh Wirsching); David Herrman (Joy); Aidan Kilpatrick; and Casey Kilpatrick. And seven great-grandchildren with another on the way.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life at two gatherings:

Celebration of Life Sunday, October 25, 2026 2:00-4:00 p.m. with prayer and tribute from 3:00 to 3:30 Covenant Living at Inverness Tulsa, Oklahoma

Vigil Monday, October 26, 2026 3:00 p.m. Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel 2509 Vine St, Hays, KS

Burial and reception will follow.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society https://nationalmssociety.org

The family would also like to express heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, hospice team and staff of Covenant Living at Inverness for their kindness, dignity, and loving care shown to her during her final years.

We leave you with this final advice from our mom: Face adversity with courage and laughter, and along the way take time to stop and smell the roses. ❤️