Carolyn Hu

Carolyn Louise Hu passed away peacefully December 1st, in Chadron, Nebraska. Carolyn was born September 3, 1939, in Stanton County, Nebraska, to Clarence and Frieda (nee Brundick) Cornett. Her brother Ron joined shortly after. A few years later, the family moved to Long Beach, California, where her dad worked in the shipyards. Her siblings, Nadene and Wayne, were born during that time. The family moved back to Pilger in 1948, where Carolyn became a hard-working farm girl, racing her dad to shuck peas and helping milk cows. She loved to sing hymns, especially with children. Every year for her parents’ birthdays or anniversary, she would lead her siblings in singing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

After completing high school, Carolyn attended and graduated from Concordia Teacher’s College before embarking on a lifelong career as a teacher. She was called to Cheyenne, WY, where she taught in the Lutheran school system. She was married to James “Jim” Grant on December 27, 1963 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Together, they had four children: Jeff, Lori, Tim, and Suzi. Jim passed away in 1983.

Carolyn continued teaching at Trinity Lutheran in Cheyenne, where she met Reverend Joseph Hu. The two were married in 1996 and Carolyn gained five children, Samuel, David, Anna, Daniel, and Timothy. Carolyn and Joe enjoyed going on trips together. Their travels took them to places like the Grand Canyon, down the West Coast, to Washington, D.C., Yellowstone, and China. They particularly enjoyed trips that reunited them with their loved ones. They also loved to share their faith with anyone.

In her free time, Carolyn created many treasures through plastic canvas and crochet and held on to her farm girl roots by maintaining a garden. After she retired, Carolyn continued to be a substitute teacher, even becoming “Mrs. Hu” to some of her grandkids. She later joined the classroom as part of the Grandparents Program in Cheyenne with Joe.

Carolyn faced hardship in her life, but held her faith and had tenacity. She was blessed with a beautiful family and wonderful friends. She seemed to always surround herself with people who made her laugh. She’ll be remembered for her ornery spirit, steady faith, and the crafts she made for her loved ones.

Survivors include: brothers: Ron (Karen) Cornett of Kansas, City, KS, and Wayne (Arvilla) Cornett of Wisner, NE; brother-in-law: Norman Schell; children: Jeff (Jen) Grant of East Greenville, PA; Lori (Verlin) Retzlaff of Chadron, NE; Tim (Bobbie) Grant of Plover, WI; Suzi (Gary) Cardell of Iola, KS; Sam (deceased wife Cheryle) of San Diego, CA; David (Noreen) of Phoenix, AZ; Anna of Glendale, AZ; Daniel of Glendale, AZ; Tim of Cheyenne, WY; grandchildren: Tom, Tonya, Sonya (Harry), Samantha, Matt (Jessica Jen), Zoë, Courtney, Rebecca (Greg), Brittany, Robert, Luke (Aerionna), Olivia, Briena (Wade), Katrina, Alexandra, Jared, Jason, Joel, Elisa, Ben, Maddie (Kai), Joshua, Allison, and Christian; 26 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Carolyn will be welcomed into Heaven by her mother and father: Frieda and Clarence; sister: Nadene; first husband: James; second husband: Joe; grandchildren: Benjamin and Brock, and many friends.