Carolyn (Cary) Ida Traff Hameister Matheny passed away         early this morning, September 12 ^th , 2012 at Sunrise Cottages in Rochester, at the age of 68 as a result of Advanced Dementia. Carolyn Ida Traff was born November 28 ^th , 1943 to Alvin and Geraldine Traff in Rochester, MN. She attended Rochester school.  She was married to Donald Hameister on July 2 ^nd , 1960. They were later divorced.  She married Gerald (Gary) Matheny on May 2 ^nd , 1987 and moved to Cresco, Iowa where she lived until Gary passed away in 2005.

She was a member of the 2 ^nd Street Church of Christ in Rochester. Carolyn attended the Salvation Army Caring Partners Adult Daycare program for several years before becoming a resident at Sunrise Cottages in April, 2011.

Cary enjoyed crocheting, bowling and was a very talented musician with a beautiful singing voice and the ability to play several instruments.  She was a gifted artist and loved to paint pictures and make sketches. She also enjoyed gardening.

She worked as a waitress at Mac's Restaurant, in house-keeping at St. Mary's Hospital and also as a cashier at the Hardware Hank at the Miracle Mile in Rochester.

Carolyn is survived by her proudest accomplishments in life, her three sons: Rudi Hameister and his wife, Kathy, and their children Caleb and Tabitha and grandchild, Kelan of Independence, Iowa;  Doni Hameister and his wife, Lori and their children, Sami Jo and Tyler of Eyota, MN and Jon Hameister of Rochester, MN.     She is also survived by her sister, Bonnie (Butch) Stock of Rochester and sister-in-law, Shirley Traff of Dodge Center, MN as well as an extended step-family from her marriage to Gary. She was preceded in death by her brother, Marlyn, her parents, Alvin Traff and Geraldine Meek and her second husband, Gary.

The visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Thursday, September 13 ^th , 2012 at River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Friday, September 14 ^th , 2012 at the River Park Chapel with Minister Rudi Hameister officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the Chapel.

Memorials are suggested to the family.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com