Obituaries

Carolyn Bilz, age 76, of Independence, Kentucky, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Edgewood, Kentucky. The daughter of the late Valentine and Ann {Willenborg} Bilz, Carolyn was born in Whites Tower, Kentucky on January 17, 1950.

A 1968 graduate of Simon Kenton High School, Carolyn began her career with Thomas & Thomas Attorneys, where she served as a trusted secretary for nearly 50 years.

Carolyn was a devoted member of Nicholson Christian Church for over 40 years, where her faith and fellowship were an important part of her life. She also found great joy in her community, especially in attending and working at the Kenton County Fair 4-H shows.

Family was at the heart of Carolyn’s life. She shared a special and enduring bond with her sister, Ann Akins, with whom she lived for over 20 years. They were inseparable and were more than sisters, they were truly kindred spirits. Carolyn also cherished the time spent with her niece Jo and her husband Bob Scheben, as well as her nephew Buster Rarrieck. Above all, Carolyn’s greatest joy came from being a grandmother. She treasured every moment with her grandchildren, who lovingly knew her as “Ga Ga.”

She will be deeply missed by her sons, Jimmy (Cassie) Bilz and Jason Bilz; grandchildren, Makayla (Dustin) Payton, Hoyt Bilz, Macie Bilz, and Jackson Bilz; great-grandchildren, Maverick Payton, Magnolia Payton, and baby Theodore Payton expected to arrive on June 8th; siblings, Theresa Willenborg, Frances Gauck, Ann Akins, and Robert “Bobby” Bilz; sister-in-law, Cheryl Bilz; and daughter-in-law, Debbie Bilz.

In addition to her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her brothers, Sonny Bilz, Charlie Bilz, Richard “Dickie” Bilz; and her siblings-in-law, Clarence Willenborg, Norbie Gauck, Janet Bilz, and Carla Bilz.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Carolyn between 2 PM and 4 PM on Saturday, May 23rd at Nicholson Christian Church, 1970 Walton Nicholson Rd, Independence, KY, 41051.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in honor of Carolyn to Nicholson Christian Church at the address listed above.