Carolee Syres, born on January 28, 1933, in Wichita, KS, passed away on December 23, 2023, at the Hester Residential Care Center of Wesley Towers in Hutchinson, KS. She was the youngest of five siblings born to Ralph Lyddle Thiry and Gladys Lucille (Miller) Thiry.
Carolee graduated from Wichita North High School in 1951 and went on to spend two years at Wichita State University before completing her education at Colorado University in 1955. During her time at CU, she met Charles Wiseman, whom she married on August 29, 1954. The couple had three sons: Bradley, Douglas, and Curtis. Following their divorce, Carolee married Chester (Chet) Syres, Jr. on April 12, 1969. Carolee and Chet had one son, Edward ‘Ted’ Syres.
Being the youngest in the Thiry family, Carolee was cherished by her three older brothers, Ralph Thiry, Jr., Howard Thiry, and Don Thiry, and adored by her older sister, Roseanne (Thiry) Oder. In her teenage years, she discovered her passion for music, a lifelong interest that shaped her career. Carolee worked as an elementary music teacher, children’s choir director, church choir member, and chime choir director. She was a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church of Hutchinson for over 50 years. In addition to her musical contributions, she served on various committees and used her creative talents to craft banners, paraments, and stoles for First UMC Church and other area churches. Carolee actively participated in the United Methodist Kansas West Conference lay leadership and creative committees. Her love for jazz, art, friends, and travel was evident, but above all, she loved her sons and her husband, Chet.
Carolee was preceded in death by: her siblings; parents; and husband, Chet Syres.
She is survived by: her sons, Brad Wiseman (Delene Impson) of Ottawa, KS, Doug Wiseman (Debby) of Roselle, IL, Curtis Wiseman of Fort Worth, TX, and Ted Syres of Baton Rouge, LA; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church, 101 E. 1st Avenue, Hutchinson, KS, with the Reverend Mari ‘Mik’ King officiating. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary and on the day of the service at the church. The family will greet friends immediately following the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.