OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Emily Carolyn Hogan Stiles,

86, of Overland Park, Kan., passed away on December 22, 2023. She was born on February 28, 1937, in Little Rock, Ark., to George Donaghey (Don) and Thelma Louisa Hogan. At age 14, while playing flute at band camp in Gunnison, Colo., she met clarinetist Merrill Stiles, who would become her husband of 65 years. Carolyn graduated from The University of Kansas, where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority. Moving to Galveston, Texas, in 1970, Carolyn became an active and valued member of the community, notching many “firsts” along the way. She was elected the first woman chairperson of the Galveston Planning Commission, and the first woman President of the Galveston Cultural Arts Council. A certified personnel consultant, she also owned her own business. Later, she attended the San Francisco Theological Seminary, graduating with a Diploma in the Art of Spiritual Direction, and was an elder of the Presbyterian Church. Carolyn and Merrill spent their later years as residents of Tallgrass Creek in Johnson County, Kan., where she discovered her latent artistic talent and enjoyed gifting paintings to family and friends. Mrs. Stiles is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Charles Merrill Stiles; a son, Dr. Steven Merrill Stiles, and his wife, Erika; a daughter, Sherri Suzanne Stiles, LPC, and her wife, Lauren Nathanson; and grandchildren, Nicholas Merrill Stiles and Claire Marie Stiles. Also survived by her brother, Reverend Jerry Slayton Hogan, and his wife, Barbara; two nieces: Julianne Hogan Grant and Janie Hogan Purvis, and their children and spouses. The families were much loved by Carolyn. She is preceded in death by her parents, her infant brother, George Donaghey Hogan, Jr., and her sister in law, Linda Backer Hogan. Memorial donations may be made to Wayside Waifs animal shelter in Kansas City, Mo.