Carolyn Mae (Love) Straatmann, of Sullivan, MO passed away at her home on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the age of 74. Daughter of Pierce and Violet (Rock) Love, she was born December 8, 1950, in Sullivan, MO.

She poured her heart into everything she cared about — from her work in the union to her family around the kitchen table. A proud and dedicated leader, she served for several years as President of the United Auto Workers Local #1760, never missing a chance to stand up for what she believed in or to take part in the election process.

Outdoors was where she felt most at peace. Her yard bloomed with a rainbow of flowers she tended with care, and her garden overflowed with vegetables that seemed to taste better because they were grown with love. Summer days often found her surrounded by her grandchildren, all of them sitting together snapping green beans while she told stories or shared a laugh. She was a master at turning her harvest into jars of home-canned vegetables and sweet jellies — gifts that filled both the pantry and the hearts of those she shared them with. Her table and her garden fed not just her family, but countless neighbors and friends over the years.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Pierce and Violet Love; three brothers, Pal Love, Charlie Love and Carl Love.

She is survived by her daughters, Amy Dobelmann and husband Eric of New Haven, Jodi Swearingen and husband Lance of Arnold, Jamie Strubberg and husband Ed of Union; brothers, Walter Love and wife Sandra of Sullivan, David Love and wife Patty of St. Clair; sister-in-law, Peggy Love of Sullivan; grandchildren, Justin Girardier and wife Niky, Cody Dobelmann, Makenzie Wall, Lucas Wall and fiancé Aaliyah Kuelker, Hunter Mehler and fiancé Ella Riegel, Chase Mehler and fiancé Sydney Hittson, and Wil Strubberg; great-grandchildren, Drew and Tessa Girardier; nieces; nephews; cousins and many friends.