Carolyn J. Birky, 87, of Kouts passed away Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Oak Grove Christian Village in DeMotte. She was born December 28, 1936, in Wheatfield, Indiana to Harold & Florence (Reinhardt) Martin, graduated from Wheatfield High School, and received a B.A. & master’s degree from Valparaiso University in Education. Carolyn taught Kindergarten and First Grade at Kouts Schools for 26 years along with media responsibilities. She had owned and operated Birky’s Café & Catering in Kouts with her husband for nearly 20 years and attended Cornerstone Community Church. Treasured baking sessions with her grandchildren have provided lasting memories for everyone involved. And her musical talents seemed to always be on display as she provided piano accompaniment, vocals and choir leadership for nearly every religious group and event with which she was ever involved.
On December 3, 1955, she married Marion M. Birky who preceded her in death in 2012. Survivors include their children; Julie (Tim) Jones of Kouts, Jay (Sandi) Birky of Kouts, Sue (John) Haynes of Goshen, siblings; Peggy (Wilbert) Hamstra, Virginia (Art) Bierma, Allen (Joyce) Martin, sister-in -law, Darlene Maxwell, 11 grandchildren: Michelle, Rebecca, Katie, John, Jayson, Joshua, Joel, Olivia, Amie, Amanda, and Deric; and 21 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and siblings, Curt Martin & LaVonne Wireman.
A visitation will be held Thursday, October 17th from 3 – 5 pm at Cornerstone Community Church, Kouts with a celebration of life beginning at 5:00 pm and a dinner to follow. Private burial at Hopewell Cemetery will precede the church ceremonies. Memorial donations may be made to Cornerstone Community Church.
GUESTBOOK
I’m so sorry for your loss. -Ron Witkowski
My condolences to the Birky family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. -Kurt Michael Goodpaster
My heart hurts to hear of the passing of Carolyn. I met her and Marion in 2007 when i move to Kouts to work for the funeral home in Valpo. They were such kind souls who immediately took me and my husband in as their own. She kept up with me on Facebook occasionally checking to see how my kids were. They are both missed. -Casey Claypool Folkes
I’m so sorry for your loss! My thoughts, condolences and prayers to the family. -Johanna Stayton (Froehling)
Kathy and I are so sorry for your loss. Your MOM and DAD where a blessing in me and ELLIE'S life. GOD bless and may he give you and your family comfort. -FRANK HLANER
To all the family you have our best regards hugs too. -Don and Gena and Carlson
It breaks my heart to hear another Martin cousin has passed. I have only fond memories of her growing up when I got to visit the farm. My condolences to her family. -Jayne Martin Braddy