Carolyn Jo Grider

Carolyn Jo Grider, 91, of Kansas City, Missouri, died peacefully on May 1, 2026. Carolyn will be remembered at a private family graveside service at a later date.

Carolyn was born on April 1, 1935, in Arcola, Missouri, to John and Mildred Baker. On February 10, 1952, she married Jerry Jene Grider — a marriage that lasted 68 years and never lost its romance. Carolyn and Jerry were blessed with six children, five surviving into adulthood.

Carolyn was an avid traveler with a deep love of seeing new places. She and Jerry traveled widely, visiting more than two dozen countries, including destinations across Europe, China, Russia and the Middle East. Earlier in life, she and Jerry took countless car vacations with their five children, driving to places as far-ranging as Mexico City and British Columbia. Carolyn was always ready to serve as tour guide, armed with stacks of travel books. Her bookshelves were full of guides from places she had visited and places that were next on her list.

The family attended Central Christian Church, Kansas City, Missouri, until 1973. They later became longtime members of Raytown Christian Church, where Carolyn served faithfully in the life of the congregation. She was renowned for her ability to feed large groups of people, including at Raytown Christian Church events and during years of youth choir trips. Her hospitality was practical, generous and deeply rooted in love. Carolyn’s gift for feeding and caring for others also found expression through Micah Ministry, where she helped provide food, clothing, care and dignity to people in need in Kansas City. Carolyn served for many years through Mother-to-Mother Ministry, a faith-based program that connected women across economic and racial lines in support of mothers and families in need. Her involvement grew into a long and meaningful relationship with one mother and her family.

Carolyn was owner of Plaza Construction Services, Inc., the family construction business. She also worked for many years at the Kansas City Country Club, where she was known for her warmth and reliability.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry Jene Grider; their son Jay Everett, who died in childhood; their granddaughter Michelle Seely, who died in infancy; and her brother, Dr. Max Baker.

She is survived by her children and spouses Jean and Keith Mercer; Karen and Dave Seely; Lea and Terry Young; Jon and Sauna Grider; and Mark and Amy Grider. Carolyn is also survived by her grandchildren Kris and David Schiller; Lynn Mercer; April and Aaron Williams; Joe and Morgan Seely; Zach and Lindsay Seely; Blaine and Jessica Grider; Mollie Grider and Allan Newberry; and Alex Grider. Carolyn’s great-grandchildren are Everett and Lilah Schiller; Layla and Opal Williams; Owen and Foster Seely; Reed Baker Seely; William, Anthony, and Benjamin Grider; and Jazmen, Jaylen, Sebastian, and Savannah Newberry. Chris and Kyle Dahlquist are family, as are the Grider’s Italian AFS exchange student Maria Lotti and her family. Also surviving are Carolyn’s sisters-in-law Peggy Baker; Virginia Grider and Darlene Grider, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family is grateful to the staff of St. Luke’s East Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospice House for the care, kindness and support given to Carolyn.

Carolyn’s life was full of faith, family, service, hospitality, travel and love. She blessed the lives of those around her, and we hope memories of Carolyn will be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Micah Ministry or to St. Luke’s Hospice House.