Jan. 30, 1937 – Oct. 15, 2022
Carlyn Lee Gerlach was born in Memphis, Texas, Jan. 30,1937. She was the daughter of Carl Oliver Gerlach and Roberta Mann Gerlach. Her family moved to Lake Charles, La., for Carlyn’s senior year at Lake Charles High School. Carlyn married Vern Wayne Stutsman. His service in the U.S. Army took them to California, Germany, and Alabama. They returned to Lake Charles, where they raised their son Karl Oren Stutsman. Carlyn worked for the American Press for nearly 12 years. After leaving the newspaper, she worked in accounting for McElroy Quirk Burch APC. Carlyn left her accounting career to attend McNeese State University where she graduated with a degree in Computer Science. Vern passed away suddenly in January 1995. Carlyn married Murry Ray Burleigh in June 2003 and enjoyed 13 wonderful years with him until his passing in March of 2016. In 2020 Carlyn moved to Keller, Texas, to be closer to her son. Carlyn passed away peacefully with her family by her side.
Carlyn was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Vern Wayne Stutsman; and her second husband, Murry Ray Burleigh. Carlyn is survived by her brother, Jon Gerlach and his wife Jeanne of Ocala, Fla.; and her sister, Joella Gerlach Butler of Aurora, Colo. She is also survived by her son, Karl Oren Stutsman, his wife Wanda and her two grandchildren, Parker Wayne and Sarah Jane.
Carlyn will be laid to rest with Vern Wayne Stutsman in Prien Highland Memorial Cemetery in Lake Charles. No service is planned.