Carolyn Sutton-Belden

Carolyn Sutton Belden, 89, formerly of Topeka, passed away, Sunday, March 24, 2013, in Santa Barbara, CA. Carolyn was born on May 14, 1923, to Elmer Morehouse and Judita Morelli. She graduated from Santa Barbara California High School in 1941. Carolyn married Jay G. Sutton, a Marine pilot, on January 15, 1944. They had three sons, Robert P. Sutton, William Jay Sutton, and Steven N. Sutton. In March 1946, they moved to Topeka, Kansas. Jay joined his father in the soft drink business, Seven-Up Bottling Co. of Topeka. They made their home in Topeka.

Carolyn loved being a stay at home mom, taking care of her family and always trying to improve the looks of her home. Over the years, she collected antiques, clocks, and dolls, which were her favorites. She loved gardening, playing golf, and her social activities.

Jay passed away in August of 1979 of lung cancer. Carolyn was devastated after 35 years of marriage. In 1981, she met William "Bill" Belden with Franklin Life Insurance Co. They were married on April 1981. Carolyn and Bill traveled to many foreign countries, even a trip on the Orient Express. They enjoyed dancing and gardening together. In 1996, Carolyn and Bill decided to move to Santa Barbara, CA, so Carolyn could spend more time with her sister, Ellen and her husband John Meszaros. Bill Belden passed away in December of 2012.

Carolyn will be sadly missed by her three sons, Bob (JoAnn) Sutton, Santa Barbara, CA, Bill Sutton and companion, Mindy Meacham, Topeka, KS, and Steve (Marla) Sutton, Kansas City, MO, step-son, Scott (Lisa) Belden, Lincoln, NE, two grandchildren, Blake (Joan) Sutton and Melissa Sutton, three great grandchildren, Talor, Grace, Madelyn Sutton, and three step-grandchildren, Brett, Jason, and Ryan Belden.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Jay Sutton and Bill Belden, and sisters, Ellen Meszaros and Thelma Morehouse.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 6, 2013, Mount Hope Chapel, Topeka, KS. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka, KS. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.