Martha "Carolyn" Mahnke, 83, of Bluford, IL, formally of Festus, MO,  died on Monday, November 13, 2023 at her home.

She was born on June 26, 1940 in Wayne County, IL to Hubert and Mary Louise (Ozment) Ellis.

Carolyn married Nolan Payne on June 27, 1958 then remarried Ronald Mahnke in Marion, IL in February 1980.

The loving mother and grandmother was a dairy manager and deli worker at grocery stores.  She was a member of the Plattin United Methodist Church in Festus, MO and Landmark Church in Mt. Vernon, IL.  Carolyn enjoyed working in her yard, gardening and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Carolyn is survived by 2 daughters:  Patty Payne of Mt. Vernon, IL and Cheryl Myers of Bluford, IL; 4 grandchildren:  Jason Myers, Autumn O'Bryant, Nathan McCoy and Calen McCoy; 13 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; a brother, Ted (Brenda) Ellis of Effingham, IL; a sister, Laura (Dean) Henson-Taylor of Bluford, IL; sister-in-law, Linda Ellis of Keenes, IL and  an uncle, Jimmie Ozment of Wyandotte, MI.

Besides her husbands and parents, Carolyn is preceded in death by a brother, John Ellis; 2 sisters:  Anna Marie Wicklein and Jean Kaufman and a brother-in-law, Dale Henson.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023 at Arborcrest Memorial Park in Effingham, IL.

Professional services entrusted to the care of Wojstrom Funeral Home & Crematory in Granite City, IL.

Online guestbook and obituary available at www.wojstrom.com