Carol Bristow

Long-time Joplin area resident, Carol Sue Bristow (Bobbitt), 82, passed away Dec. 18 in Omaha, NE., after a prolonged struggle with pulmonary fibrosis. She was surrounded by her family.

She was born November 18, 1941, to Carroll and Marjorie Bobbitt, of Omaha, NE., the oldest of four children. She was baptized in the First Baptist Church, Omaha. In the late 60’s she moved to California and eventually found her way to southern Missouri in 1972; to Joplin, MO., in 1973; then to rural Neosho in 1982. Sue married W. Don Bristow, Joplin, on May 24, 1981, in Omaha, NE., and adopted his daughter, Dee.

She was a case manager for the Jasper County Family Services from July 1973 until her retirement on Aug. 2003. After her retirement, Sue enjoyed working as a door greeter at Sam’s and then as a volunteer at Mercy Hospital in Joplin from Oct. 2016 to July 2022. About 1986, she and Don joined the Joplin First Church, formerly known as First United Methodist Church, where she was a devoted member, involved with prayer group, bible study, choir and bell choir. She liked to say, “Find something, besides yourself, to love.”

Sue was a staunch animal advocate, rescuing all that wandered onto her property outside Neosho. Over her lifetime and at her own expense, she provided food, shelter and healthcare for a total of 36 dogs and 11 cats. She also owned and cared for five horses, all Paso Finos.

In July 2022, her lung disease prevented her from living alone so she moved to Omaha to be with her youngest sister and sold her 30-acre property, Fen Willow, in Neosho. Before moving, Sue and her family and friends found homes for all her animals, except for her beloved dog, Hunter, who moved with her.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and sister, Mary Bobbitt-Cooke. She is survived by daughter, Dee Olsen; son-in-law, Chad, and grandchildren, Adam and Hannah, all of Richardson, TX.; sister Elizabeth Kumru, and her husband, Tarik, Omaha, NE., brother Jim Bobbitt, Silver Spring, MD., two nieces and three nephews; and Hunter.

In lieu of cards or flowers, please send donations to Joplin First Church, Faithful Friends Animal Advocates, Neosho, or the Joplin Humane Society.