Carolyn "Kay" Whitlow

Carolyn “Kay” Whitlow, 76, of Robinson, IL, passed away on May 27, 2025, at Regional Hospital in Terre Haute, IN.

She was born on October 17, 1948, in Robinson, IL, and grew up just off the railroad tracks, where she’d run outside to wave at the passing trains. One conductor even stopped to talk to her—which just goes to show: Kay’s persistent warmth could literally stop a train! She graduated from Robinson High School in 1967 and married Gary Whitlow the following year, beginning a life grounded in hard work, fierce love, and a never-ending list of people to care for.

She worked hard to provide for her family, initially at LS Heath and Victor Dana, before finding her way to Regions Bank. She started out cleaning offices at night, often throwing together crock pot dinners so her family would come home to something warm. In time, she worked her way up to the front desk—a role that seemed made for her. She knew everyone. And everyone knew Kay.

At home, she loved like she cooked: generously. Her kitchen was a place of comfort—filled with the smell of fried chicken, bacon (always bacon), fudge, divinity, and chocolate chip cookies. When her “extra” grandson Nathan came home from military service, she always had a fresh batch of fudge waiting. That was her way—to feed people, to care for them, to love them into fullness. She loved animals as much as she loved people—especially her cats, dogs, and a legendary turtle with a cracked shell that Jeff rescued. That turtle ran around the house like a common house pet, eating cat food and drinking from the water bowl. The grandkids delighted in sneaking him scraps under the table.

She loved Robinson High School athletics, often listening in on her transistor radio if she couldn’t be there in person. And when it came to the Chicago Bears, it wasn’t just fandom—it was a yearly tradition. She made the pilgrimage to training camp every summer, no matter how the team was doing. Rain, heat, losing streak—it didn’t matter. They were her team, and she loved them fiercely, like everything else in her life.

Camping was one of her greatest joys—whether it was close to home or across the country. It didn’t matter where they were, as long as there was a campfire, a place to relax, and her loved ones around her. In her younger years, she water-skied like a pro—though one homemade ramp caused more chaos than glory. After all, Kay had a knack for getting hurt in the most unexpected ways. For example, she once found herself leaning against the railing of a pier that suddenly gave way—and had to be rescued by the Coast Guard.

Kay was no stranger to adventure, but she was just as content in the quiet rhythms of home. Fridays were for catfish with Michelle. She knew which places were worth the drive and which ones to skip. Weeknights often included a quiet Amish romance novel or an episode of Reba or whatever was on Food Network. Before it closed, she was a member of the Church of the Nazarene, where she helped make quilts with the ladies of the church—stitching love into every square.

She collected lighthouses and Thomas Kinkade art—drawn to their glow, their warmth, their beauty. In many ways, they reflected her. She was the kind of grandma who helped with homework, taught you how to cook, and told it like it was. She stood firm on what was right, but she always showed up with compassion. Her love had backbone. Her guidance came with tenderness.

Her great-grandson Axl called her “Grandma Wiggyworm,” a name as loveable and fun as she was. One time, she pulled out a handful of dollar bills and tried to convince her waiter to dance with her—grinning the whole time like she knew exactly what she was doing. That was Kay—cheeky, fearless, and always good for a laugh. But through it all, Kay carried a grace that wasn’t flashy—but it was steady and strong. She always found the good in others, even when it wasn’t obvious. Even when it cost her something. She loved when it was easy, and she loved when it was hard. That’s the kind of love she believed in. The kind that sticks. The kind that heals.

And that’s the kind of love she leaves behind.

She is survived by her children & their spouses, Penny & Doug Weck and Jeffrey & Jonnie Whitlow; her “extra” kids, Shawn & Sami Windham and Michelle Palmer; and by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

She married Gary L. Whitlow on June 22, 1968, and he preceded her in death on March 9, 2011. She was also preceded by her parents, Ernest “Ernie” & Lucy (Liston) Fitts; her sister, Nadine Henry; her brothers, Larry Fitts and Jerry Fitts; her daughter-in-law, Pamela Whitlow; and by a number of grandchildren.

A time of visitation will be held from 12:00–2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 30th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m., with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. During the service, friends and family will be invited to speak to the fullness of her life.

In honor of her love of animals, memorial contributions may be made to the Crawford County Humane Society, with envelopes available at the funeral home.

Burial will be in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery.