Carolyn Ann Ouding

Carolyn Ann Ouding passed away on February 25, 2025 at the age of 86. 

She was born March 31, 1938 to parents Joel and Kathrine Larsson. Carolyn graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and then went on to earn an associates degree from Michigan State University. Caroyln married Robert Ouding in 1960 and they had three lovely sons together. Carolyn was a designer at VanderSalm’s Flower Shop for many, many years while she raised her three boys. She then moved on to The UpJohn Company where she eventually landed the perfect job of grower and groundskeeper at Brook Lodge. She would often describe the beauty of the grounds at Brook Lodge and enjoyed the team she worked with. Upon retiring in 1994, she joined her sons at River Street Flowerland and helped create the business that it is today. With her expertise in color and texture, she designed the most stunning combination planters for guests’ homes and gardens. Carolyn retired from River Street Flowerland in 2023. Carolyn loved her family, plants, trees and all flowers and very much disliked winter, snow and deer. 

Caroyln is survived by her three children, Rick (Jody) Ouding, Jeff Ouding and Michael (Karen) Ouding; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She was preceded in passing by her sister, Janet Wolthuis. A memorial service to honor and celebrate her will be held later in the summer.

Personal messages for her family may be shared at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.