Carolyn Kay Kemp (82) of Tryon, Nebraska passed away on March 10, 2025 at Linden Court in North Platte. She was born on August 12, 1942 in North Platte to Roy and Ila (Banks) Black. Carolyn grew up on the family ranch 10 miles north of Ringgold. She had an older sister, Marilyn and younger brother, Dale. The kids were taught hard work at a young age. Carolyn attended Hall School – District 7 a small country school north of Ringgold. She graduated from McPherson County High School with the Class of 1959. After graduation, she worked for Goodalls in Ogallala winding condensers. Carolyn married Richard Kemp on July 3, 1960 at the Tryon Methodist Church. To this union, two children were born: Gaylene Kay and Lamar James.
Carolyn had a deep love for Jesus and loved to sing. You would often hear her humming a tune or singing one of her favorite songs, The Old Rugged Cross. One of her special moments was a four-generation baptism, where Carolyn was baptized with her daughter Gaylene, granddaughter Jessica, and great-granddaughter Josie.
Carolyn was a great cook! Without a doubt, she made the best potato salad and fried chicken. It wasn’t a family picnic without her potato salad and she always picked out the best watermelon. She enjoyed playing cards, especially pitch and canasta. Carolyn loved her family dearly and had a special love for animals, especially her cats, dogs and cattle. She was a long-time member of the Willing Workers Extension Club. Carolyn loved to garden and spent many long hard days working alongside her husband, Richard, on the family ranch.
Survivors include her daughter Gaylene (John) McCall of North Platte; brother Dale (Carol) Black of Ringgold; five grandchildren, Jessica (BJ) Wilson, Jennifer (Josh) Staab, Ben (Alexa) McCall, James Kemp, and Christopher Kemp, all of North Platte; ten great grandchildren, Hali, Levi, Carsen, Josie, Oakley, Axel, Hadlee, Hagen, Heston and Remyton; two great-great grandchildren, Waylon and Welder as well as many nieces, nephews and other extended family members and friends. She was proceeded in death by her husband Richard, her parents, son Lamar, sister Marilyn, and infant granddaughter Rebecca Leanne Kemp.
Memorials are suggested to the McPherson County Fire & Rescue or donor’s choice. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 1:30 pm at the First United Methodist Church in North Platte with Pastor Mike Evans officiating. Burial will follow at the Miller Cemetery near Tryon. Visitation will be Sunday, March 16th from 2 to 6pm, with family receiving friends from 4 to 6 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.