Cleo M. Botkin Carson, 97, Valley Falls, died Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013, at the home of her son at Valley Falls.

She was born on Aug. 19, 1916, at Imperial, NE, the daughter of Robert and Gladys Wonderly Malcolm. She graduated from Imperial High School and taught in rural schools.

Cleo was a clerk at the Kansas State Department of Motor Vehicles in Topeka, retiring in 1978. She was a member of the Valley Falls United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women, and the Prairie Hall Club. She enjoyed painting, playing bridge and quilting.

Cleo married Clarence L. "Shorty' Botkin on Oct. 26, 1933, at North Platte, NE. He died on April 19, 1976. She married Robert E. "Kit" Carson on March 19, 1978, at Valley Falls. He died Nov. 1, 1988.

Survivors include two sons, Lee (Karen) Botkin, Valley Falls, and Don (JoAnna) Botkin, Tulsa, OK; a sister, Ione Botkin, Valley Falls; four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, at Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls. Burial will follow at the Valley Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Friday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Valley Falls United Methodist Church or to the Jefferson County EMS District 11 and sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088.