Caroline Belle (Torneden) Flory, 92, of Lawrence, passed away February 7, 2026, at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.
Born March 17, 1933, in Lawrence, Kansas to Frederick Henry Torneden and Edna May (Shuster) Torneden, she grew up on a farm near Clinton, Kansas. She attended grade school in Clinton in a one room, eight grade school. She graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in Lawrence in 1950, later attending the University of Kansas.
In 1952, she represented Kansas on a Rural Youth of America Tour of Europe sponsored by the American Farm Bureau. She was an active 4-H’er and played softball on the Clinton girls team.
She married Raymond Clifford Flory on March 6, 1955, at the Clinton Presbyterian Church. They were married nearly 62 years before he passed away in 2017. She was employed by the University of Kansas as property accountant until her retirement in 1996.
Caroline and Raymond enjoyed travel, having visited all 50 states, all 10 provinces of Canada, and seven foreign countries. In recent years she had enjoyed the exchange of food and time spent with her friends and neighbors in Chipperfield where she had lived since 2003.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Raymond, and brother, Floyd Torneden.
Survivors include a son, Roger (Teresa) Flory, Overbrook, KS; daughter, Rhonda Bruce (companion, Craig Worley), Lawrence; five grandsons, Tim (Jana) Flory, Lawrence, KS, Brian (Julie) Flory, Overbrook, KS, Mark (Jessica) Flory, Overbrook, KS, Ryan Bruce, Bartlesville, OK, and Ronnie (Jessica) Bruce, Lake Ozark, MO; and eleven great-grandchildren, Brevin, Maison, Cole, Piper Jo, Evelyn, Jase, and Patton Flory, and Wyatt, Alexis, Lily, and Calvin Bruce.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Douglas County 4-H Foundation (Scholarships) or Lone Star Church of the Brethren.
Graveside services will be 11:00 am Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Washington Creek Cemetery. Caroline will lie in state on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Roger and Rhonda I just saw the news of your mom’s passing. Remember visits with your folks in our earlier years….
Prayers to the entire family. So sorry for your loss.
Roger & Teresa,
Prayers for you !!
To the family- our family extends our prayers and condolences to yours.
Roger, Rhonda and family, I was saddened to hear that Carolyn passed. She was a lovely lady with a warm smile and a sweet disposition. I always enjoyed visiting with Caroline at the Torneden family reunions. Sending my heartfelt condolences to your family.
We were sorry to hear about your Mother. She was a delightful person and will be missed my all. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
I was sad to hear of Caroline’s passing. Growing up at Lone Star Church of the Brethren, she was like an aunt to me, always taking an interest in what I was doing long after I had left. She, Raymond, and my parents were great friends and enjoyed many travels together. I was glad to have been able to take my mom to see her on Labor Day this past year. Peace and blessings to you all.
I was sorry to hear about Caroline’s passing. I was fortunate enough to be her doctor as well as the rest of the family it seemed. She was the guiding light of the family. Very much admired by everyone me included! By the standards of the Torneden, she died rather young at 92. I will miss her and Raymond a great deal. I am sorry for your loss Rhonda! Jerry Pees
Your Mom and Dad were one of the best things about going to Lone Star Church of the Brethren! I remember your Dad teasing us all the time. Loved your property with the tree on the top. Many special memories and I remember your stores before the tornado hit and how you expanded. Wonderful funny and fun loving people. My Grandma always took me there to visit when I flew home to visit. They are both greatly missed! ❤️Kylee Moss
I love cousin Caroline so much. She trusted me to babyset Roger and Rhonda when l was very young. She made me feel so important and valued. As l grew into an adult we became more than cousins, we became friends. After moving to Florida 21 years ago l made sure she was first on my list to visit. I will miss this wonderful woman so much. Rest in peace dear cousin of mine.
Roger, I am sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. I remember selling her the Subaru Forester and how she was happy to still be independent! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. John Warren
Caroline was my neighbor at Chipperfield for 10 years. Several times I drove a group of ladies to the Lone Star Church for a bbq. Sarah always insisted on going early so she wouldn’t miss getting a piece of Caroline’s pie. She was a delightful lady and I missed her after moving from Chipperfield.
I would see Caroline at church and she always had a smile on her face and a kind word to say. She was such a dear sweet lady and will be missed. Prayers to her family that they may find comfort from knowing how loved she was.
To Roger and Rhonda and all of the Flory family. Love and prayers for everyone in your family. Your mom was the sweetest person on earth. May you find comfort.
Caroline was one of the sweetest, friendliest most helpful ladies I’ve ever met. She was a wonderful friend and fellow church member and was always willing to lend a hand to everyone she came in contact with. She will be greatly missed.