Dates
Carolyn Gunter Tegeler passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on October 27, 1951, in Miles City, Montana, to Nat Jr. and Dorothy Gunter. Shortly after, the family returned to Pecos, Texas where Carolyn spent her childhood.
She graduated from Pecos High School in 1970 and pursued higher education at North Texas State University and the University of Texas at El Paso. A proud member of the “GRIP” group (Girls Raised in Pecos), Carolyn treasured her lifelong friendships and annual reunions with her childhood friends.
Carolyn dedicated her career to the healthcare supply chain. She began as a receptionist in the purchasing department at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa and went on to serve as Materials Manager at Odessa Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Her excellence in inventory management earned her recognition from Lifemark Corp., including the “Best Performance in Inventory Management” award.
She later joined Owens & Minor as a medical supply sales representative, covering West Texas and Eastern New Mexico, and was named “Sales Representative of the Year” in 1982.
In 1984, Carolyn accepted the position of Director of Materials Management at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo, where she and her husband, Mike Tegeler, made their home. She found deep fulfillment in her work, colleagues, and the Shannon community, ultimately being honored with the prestigious Legacy Award in 2008. Carolyn retired in 2016 after 32 years of devoted service.
Carolyn’s faith was central to her life. She was a dedicated member of First United Methodist Church and participated in the Morning Glories Bible Study, volunteered with Somebody’s Rusty, and served at the local soup kitchen.
An avid lover of the arts, Carolyn enjoyed live theater, especially Broadway shows, and once served on the Board of the Angelo Civic Theater. She had a special place in her heart for Bloys Campmeeting, which she attended annually for 72 years, calling it her “happy place.”
Carolyn was known for her joyful spirit, love of “bling,” and sparkling personality—qualities she often said would make heaven feel just like home.
Carolyn is survived by her daughter Michal Risser and husband Darwin, and grandson Parker; daughter Michele Holmes and fiancé Tim Hennesay, grandson Taylor, and great-granddaughters Brinlee and Kynslee; her brother Ray Gunter and wife Yvonne; sister Jacalyn Lowrance and husband Jeff; many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and her partner, Mike Brown.
A memorial service will be at First Methodist Church in San Angelo on Saturday June 14th at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Bloys Campmeeting Association or The Parkinson’s Foundation.