Carolyn A. Friederich, 86, of Shawnee, KS passed away on September 13, 2021 at her residence.  Carolyn Alice (Payton) Friederich was born to Robert D. Payton and Glenma L. (Logsdon) Payton on November 2, 1934 in Terre Haute, IN.  She attended Central High School in Peoria, IL where she met her future husband, Larry Lee Friederich.  They were married October 23, 1954 in Peoria.  While living in Peoria the couple welcomed two sons, David and Jeff.

After leaving Peoria the family moved many times for job opportunities and lived in the communities of Roswell, NM, Farwell, TX, Conroe, TX, Scott City, KS, Joplin, MO, and Cedar Rapids, IA.  Carolyn was a secretary for Grant Wood Area Education Agency in Cedar Rapids for 20 years, retiring in 1999.  After her retirement she moved to be closer to her sons and their families including stays in Artesia, NM, Nashville, TN, Dodge City, KS, Duluth, MN, Ozark, MO and Shawnee, KS.

Carolyn loved animals, singing, and was an avid reader her whole life.  She was also a fierce defender of the rights of the elderly and was happy to tell anyone about her wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Carolyn is survived by her son David L. Friederich and wife Leah of Shawnee, KS, daughter-in-law Alisyn Friederich of Colorado Springs, CO;  grandsons Matthew Friederich (Nikki) of Prairie Village, KS, Michael Friederich (Bryn) of Shawnee, KS, Christopher Friederich (Korie) of Lawrence, KS, and Alexander Friederich of Colorado Spring, CO; granddaughters Sarah Ruger and Lisa Hill ; step-granddaughter Olivia McCommons of Colorado Springs, CO; step-grandson Caleb Crawford, Honolulu, HI; and 4 great-grandchildren Mae, Nora, Jackie, and Charlie Friederich. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Larry, parents Robert and Glenma Payton, brother John Payton, and son Dr. Jeffrey A. Friederich.