Carolyn Ann (Michals) O’Brien passed away on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at the Beaver City Manor, with her daughters by her side.

Carolyn was born on March 24, 1939, to Henry E. and Grace (Gilpin) Michals on a farm outside Wilsonville, Neb. She graduated from Wilsonville High School in May 1956 and married Leon O’Brien on July 26, 1956, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cambridge. To this union four daughters were born.

Carolyn was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church and Altar Society as well as a past Catechism teacher. She and Leon were farmers north of Cambridge, after which she opened a ceramic store. Carolyn loved painting and sharing her knowledge and talent with adults and children. She was also a member of the Cambridge China Painters Club. Other hobbies included quilting, gardening, playing cards and games, spending time with her family and gambling. Prior to his death, Carolyn and Leon enjoyed dancing and could usually be found at the McCook Elks on Saturday nights. Carolyn also served as the administrator of the Cambridge Senior Center.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Leon; her parents; and sister- and brother-in-law, Norma Jean and Neal Elwood; and father- and mother-in-law, Joe and Sophia O’Brien.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Kathy Schulte, Colleen (Brent) Ballou, Mary (Doug) Palmer and Cindy (Gualberto) Alvarado; grandchildren, Morgan and Andrew (Kayla) Schulte, Katie (Matt) Van Allen, Brian (McKenna) Ballou, Kellie (Riley) Armes, and Brooke Ballou; Ashley (Mark) Evans, Brett (Mallory) Palmer and Dallas (Brittney) Palmer, GraceLyn and Garett Garniss; as well as 17 great-grandchildren; her sister, Marilyn Brown; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m., on Monday, May 24, 2021, with Father Ken Wehrs at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cambridge. Visitation will be at Lockenour-Jones Mortuary on Sunday, May 23, 2021, from 3 to 6 p.m. The Rosary will be recited on Sunday, May 23, 2021, 7 p.m., at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Interment will be at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or the Cambridge Senior Center. Friends may leave online condolences at lockenourfh.com.

Lockenour-Jones Funeral Home of Cambridge is entrusted with arrangements.