Carolyn Kirgis Johnson, 61, Beloit
BELOIT – Carolyn Kirgis Johnson passed away July 24, 2022 at the Phillips County Hospital after suffering for decades with Multiple Sclerosis. She was born August 8, 1960 in Beloit, KS, the daughter of Robert & Doris (Aronis) Kirgis.
She grew up on the farm in Mitchell County. She preferred being inside cooking while her two older sisters, Connie & Catherine worked outside with their parents. She graduated from Beloit High School where she enjoyed being a part of all the musical activities; band, vocal & school musicals were just a part of her busy schedule. She was a head cheerleader for the state winning Trojans & was honored to wear the homecoming crown.
She continued her education at Colby Community College, then transferred to Kansas State University where she received her BA. She then selected the Salina Vocational Technical School to become a dental assistant for Dr. Jerry Lundgren DDS. She was proud to say that her entire college years were financed through her participation in the Miss America franchise system. She held many titles & made many lifelong friends all over the 50 states.
In July, 1985, she became Miss Kansas & represented her state in Atlantic City, NJ. Her road to Miss America was aided by so many wonderful people that coached & encouraged the Hog Farmer’s Daughter to Stand Proud & Sing Loud! As her family mourns her passing their hearts are warmed by the outpouring of Love coming in from all directions.
In October of 1987, Carolyn was united in marriage to Perry Dale Johnson at the Salemsborg Lutheran Church in Smolan, KS. The welcomed their son, Chaddlee Dale on November 10, 1990. He grew up playing baseball just like his dad. The marriage was saddened by the infant losses of Chander Kirgis Johnson & Allison Kaylinn Johnson. It was during these difficult years that Carolyn Jo was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. In the early stages she was able to sing at benefits & work for the foundation, but her health deteriorated quickly & at the time of her passing she had been in the Phillips County Retirement Center over 18 years.
Left to mourn her passing is her son, Chadd Johnson of Abliene, KS; her mother, Doris Kirgis of Beloit, KS; sisters, Connie & Jerry Cox of Long Island, KS & Catherine & Clayton Cox of Norton, KS; 9 nieces & nephews & 35 great nieces & nephews. They will be joining her many caring friends across the state of Kansas!
Through this loss, we’ve learned that God understands our pain. He doesn’t always fix it; sometimes he just sits with us & lets us lean on him while the grief comes. We cling to the promise to be made whole once again & reunited with our loved ones in Heaven!
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Becky Saddler officiating. The service will be streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page. A graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m. in the Elmwood Cemetery in Beloit.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Phillips County Retirement Center of the Beloit First Christian Church Youth Group.