Carolyn J. Moody, 75, Harrisonville, MO, died Monday, September 28, 2009 at Golden Years Care Center in Harrisonville. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 2 at the Sweet Home Cemetery in Ravenwood, MO. Friends may call from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 1 at the Atkinson Chapel in Harrisonville. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Kansas City Metro Office, 6700 Antioch Road, Suite 100, Merriam, KS 66204-1200.

Carolyn was born November 3, 1933 in Parnell, MO, the daughter of Vilas and Eva (Powell) Risser. She received her Bachelor's degree from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO and her Master's degree from Colorado State University.

Her career centered around education, teaching at various high schools, Central Missouri State University and Singer Career Systems before retiring as a Food and Nutrition Specialist for the University of Missouri.

A 26-year resident of Harrisonville, Carolyn served on the Cass County Hospital Auxiliary, advisor of the Heartland Area Cass County Homemakers and program director at the Cass County Extension Office. She was a volunteer for the Cass County Senior Citizens Center.

Carolyn is survived by one son, Jon Gills of Excelsior Springs, MO; two daughters, Kay Emanuele and her husband, Mike of Atlanta, GA and Caron George and her husband, Max of Gastonia, NC; one brother, Vernon Risser, Las Cruces, NM and two granddaughters, Leslie and Hawley Emanuele.