Carolyn Kay Bailey

Carolyn Kay Bailey, 71, of Silver Lake, KS passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2024.

She was born in Topeka, KS on October 15, 1952, the daughter of Raymond and Marie (Jensen) Bailey.

Carolyn was a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. She was bestowed the Potawatomi name “Nimkikwe” which means “Thunder Woman.”

Carolyn moved from Topeka to Silver Lake in 7th grade. She graduated from Silver Lake High School in 1970. After high school she worked at Santa Fe and later babysat kids in the Silver Lake area. In 1985 she began working for the Kansas Department of Revenue and retired from there in 2019.

Carolyn was a caring mother who enjoyed attending her son’s many sporting events. She also enjoyed cheering on the KU Jayhawks basketball team.

Carolyn married Bruce Heptig in 1974. They divorced in 1985. To this union were their three sons, Daniel, William “Bill,” and Blair.

Survivors include her son, Blair Heptig of Topeka, KS, and brother, Daryl (Sheri) Bailey of Mount Dora, FL. She was preceded in death by her parents and sons Daniel Heptig and Bill Heptig.

A Celebration of her Life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, June 3rd, 2024 at Parker-Price & Davidson Funeral Home, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka, KS. The family will greet friends an hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Grove, KS. A reception will be held after interment at the Silver Lake Community Center, 404 E Lake St., Silver Lake, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, 5720 SW 21st, Topeka, KS.

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