Carolyn LutzAmesCarolyn (Cook) Lutz, 65, a long-time resident of Ames, died Thursday September 21, 2017. Carolyn was born on December 24, 1951 to Gene and Betty (Michel) Cook. She was baptized at Wayne Zion Lutheran Church on January 21,1954 and confirmed there on April 3, 1966. Carolyn attended Iowa State University, where she met and fell in love with her husband Bill. They wed on May 12, 1972. Carolyn loved kids and it was evident in everything she did. She stayed home with her daughters and ran an in-home daycare for many years. As her daughters entered school she worked at a daycare/preschool where her daughters attended with her. She then dabbled in retail as the store manager of a Hallmark store before becoming the customer service manager at a grocery store. She ended her working days at McFarland Clinic, working in several different capacities during her twenty plus years there. Carolyn befriended many through her jobs, but the children she met and got to know through them were some of her most prized friendships. She was known for her crazy, infectious laugh that you could hear and recognize before you even saw her. She loved gardening, hiking and nature, any type of adventure with her friends and family, and her beloved cat, Poppy. She is survived by her daughters, Rachel (Jordan) Kent of Urbandale, Annelise Lutz of Plymouth, MN, her grandchildren Shay, Brannen, Kendall, Alex, and Addison Kent, Her sisters Linda (Ted) Williams and Julie Weers, her brother Rick Cook, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother, niece, and in-laws. A memorial service for Carolyn will be held at Adams Funeral Home on Thursday, September 28th at 6:00 p.m. A meal will follow the service at the Octagon in Ames. Private family burial will be at a later date. Carolyn had her own sense of style and fashion, so we ask that you express your own at her celebration of life. Adams Funeral Home in Ames is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be shared at adamssoderstrum.com