Carolyn A. Middlemist

Carolyn Middlemist was born in Edina, Minnesota on July 18, 1942. Carolyn was the daughter of Elizabeth and Leonard Odell. She was preceded in death by her parents and her three sisters Patricia, Geraldine, and Donna.

Carolyn took great pride in her father’s significant role in building Burma-Shave into a legendary company with his father and brother. Burma-Shave was famous for its coast-to-coast roadside jingles from the 1920s to 1960s. Carolyn fondly recalled traveling with her father Leonard to the Smithsonian Institution to donate the following set of 5 road signs: 

Within This Vale

Of Toil

And Sin

Your Head Grows Bald

But Not Your Chin

Burma Shave

In 1966, she married Arthur Middlemist, and they moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1970 where they raised a family for the next 54 years. Carolyn and Art were devoted to each other and set a strong example of love and commitment for their children Scott and Amy.

While Art built his investment business at Dean Witter/Morgan Stanley, Carolyn was a loving mother to Scott and Amy, and she became a devoted volunteer in the Junior League. She also volunteered with St. Luke’s Hospital, and she helped create the very first Health Fair, which was the first of its kind in the U.S.

Carolyn should be remembered for her strong opinions, endless loyalty, and sharp wit. She is survived by her husband Art, daughter Amy (husband Alan Meda), son Scott (wife Annie Weaver), and four grandchildren: Emma and Meg Samuel, and Jack and Ryan Middlemist.

Please respect the family’s request for privacy at this time. A celebration of Carolyn’s life will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Hospice of the Valley: 1510 E. Flower St, Phoenix, AZ 85014 or HOV.org/donate.com