Carolyn Sue Ekstrand, 80, of Windsor, Missouri, went to be with her Lord and Savior Sunday morning, January 25, 2026, at home surrounded by her family.
She was born January 4, 1946, in Lebanon, Missouri, the oldest child of Thomas “Tom” Hood and Rosa Lee (Smith) Hood. While working at the International Shoe Factory in Windsor, Carolyn met Dale Eugene “Gene” Ekstrand and they were married on January 26, 1964, at the Assembly of God in Marshall, Mo. They were the parents of three daughters, Teleina, Regina, and Velina and shared 57 years of marriage. God called Gene to his Heavenly home on December 30, 2020.
Carolyn and Gene moved their family to Windsor in 1984 when they became full-time pastors at Windsor Assembly of God. Carolyn worked at the JA Lamey Manufacturing Company in Sedalia for many years. After retirement, she worked with Parents As Teachers in the Windsor school district for several years. At church, Carolyn served as Children’s Pastor and was active in the Women’s Ministry. She was also a faithful servant in the church’s kitchen. Her gooseberry pie and meatloaf were two often requested favorites. Mission endeavors of the church held a special place in her heart. She went on several mission trips in the United States and Mexico but especially enjoyed the opportunity to make a difference for the children in Africa.
Family vacations were always a special time. Carolyn especially loved the beach and being surrounded by her husband, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed flowers and spending time in her yard. Her special canine “girls” Sassy and Peppy were constant companions for the past five years but nothing brought a smile to her face like her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include 3 daughters, Teleina Fornshell, Regina Hix (Darrin), and Velina Todd (Tommy), all of Windsor; 8 grandchildren, Feleina Vansel (Joe), Felicia Melton (TJ), Jacob Hix, Jarrod Hix (Makenna), Lauren Collins (Chris), Aaron Garoutte (Natasha), Megan Privett (Steven), and Ciara Willis (Jimmy); 11 great-grandchildren, Tre Melton, Kennedy Collins, Truman Collins, Lindyn Garoutte, Rosalina Privett, Lexi Melton, Lena Melton, Silas Hix, Lincoln Garoutte, William Willis, and Samuel Hix; 7 brothers and sisters, Marilyn Helseth, Windsor, Mo., Bill Hood (Georgina), Lincoln, Mo., Willa “Evelyn” Hood, Sweet Springs, Mo., Beverly Smith, Marshall, Mo., John Hood, Byars, Oklahoma, Donnie Hood (Sherry), Houstonia, Mo., and Wanda Hood, Leeton, Mo.; 3 sisters-in-law, Anna Martin (Butch), Carolyn Pearson (Steve), and Beverly Ekstrand; and numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces. In addition to her husband Gene, she was preceded in death by her parents; a son-in-law, Hershel Fornshell; a brother, Bobby Joe Hood; and a sister, Joyce Stewart.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 30, 2026, at Windsor Assembly, Windsor, Mo, with Pastor Jonathan Presley officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday evening, January 29, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Windsor Assembly. Burial will be in the Laurel Oak Cemetery, Windsor. The family suggests contributions to Mercy in Action, a ministry helping children attend school in Africa (checks payable to Windsor Assembly) in care of the Hadley Funeral Home, Windsor.
