Carla Sue (Jenkins) Bledsoe passed away unexpectedly at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City on March 23, 2026. She was 66 years old.

Carla was born to Phyllis Jenkins on March 28, 1959, in Clinton, Missouri, and grew up surrounded by generations of family.

She valued the church and attended High Hill Missionary Baptist in St. Clair County, MO, at the time of her passing. In her youth, she was saved by the grace of God at Landaker Church in Lowry City and was a member of Shady Grove Missionary Baptist.

In 1975, Carla married Jim Spurgeon, with whom she shared two daughters. She later married Rod Bledsoe in 1981; they shared 38 years and two daughters before his passing. Carla's heart was wide enough to also include a fifth daughter, held dear through heart ties rather than birth.

Carla will be remembered for her love of singing, reading, and gardening. She was quick-witted, intelligent, and held firm beliefs. Her greatest pleasure was time spent with family.

Carla is survived by all of her daughters, Keri (Mike) Walters of Lowry City, MO; Cayla (Kendrick) Kalberloh of Appleton City, MO; Becky (Josh) Nickels of Waynesville, MO; and Charlotte (Glenn) Koch of Butler, MO, whom she loved as her own. She is also survived by her stepfather, Elvin Higgins of Springfield, MO; her beloved cousin, Michael Jenkins of Bolivar, MO; 16 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and a loving extended family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Rod Bledsoe; her mother, Phyllis (Jenkins) Higgins; her infant brother, Anthony; her stepfather, Ron Duncan; and her grandparents, Percy and Della Jenkins.