Jewell Kathleen Carlson

Jewell Kathleen Carlson was born October 30, 1936, in Dodge City, Kansas, to Julius Drinnen and Rutha May Rodarmel Sherrick. She departed this life on June 10, 2026, at the age of 89.

On February 14, 1957, Jewell was united in marriage to the love of her life, Nelson Carlson. Together they built a beautiful life and welcomed three children: Berni, Roni and Tammie. Jewell & Nelson shared 56 years of marriage before his passing in 2013. Their early years were spent in Larned, Kansas, before moving to Tecumseh, Kansas in 1967, where they raised their family and created lifelong memories.

Jewell had many interesting hobbies in her life. She loved to collect dolls and paper dolls. She would never turn down an offer to go to a garage sale, antique shop or thrift store to hunt for bargains. She and Nelson spent over 50 years collecting Aladdin lamps and had over 1300 kerosene and electric lamps at one time. They also made lots of friends in the lamp family by going to the regional and national Gatherings in many states. Jewell also made several embroidered squares for the Aladdin quilts that were raffled off each year.

They also spent over 5 decades collecting and restoring military jeeps to take jeeping in Colorado and Cassville, Missouri with family and friends and in the local parades around town. They were also members of the Rolling Thunder chapter of the M.V.P.A. for many years.

After Nelson passed away, Jewell became a season ticket holder for the Topeka Roadrunner’s hockey team.

In 2019, Jewell moved to Bristow, Oklahoma where she lived near Edison Elementary School. It was there that she became affectionately known as “Grandma Jewell” to a new generation of children and parents. She spent many mornings and afternoons waving to the children as they passed by. Students and teachers alike adored her and her joyful presence became a cherished part of their school days.

Jewell enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting and gardening, finding peace and creativity in the work of her hands. Her love of flowers and plants was on display in and around her homes in Tecumseh and Bristow. She was a woman of warmth, kindness and quiet strength--someone who made people feel seen, welcomed and loved.

She is survived by her 3 children: Berni Carlson (Julee) in Tecumseh, KS, Roni Carlson (Bonnie) in Burlingame, KS and Tammie Levin (Randy) in Bristow, OK; 1 sister, Alice Hilton in Longmont, CO, 1 Aunt, Ruby Pettijohn in Aztec, NM; 8 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Jewell’s legacy continues through her family and all who were touched by her gentle spirit.

A Celebration of Jewell's Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 3, 2026 at Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. where the family will receive friends one hour prior to service time. Private inurnment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be mailed to the Bristow Historical Society & Museum-Train Depot, 1 Railroad Place, Bristow, Oklahoma 74010.

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