Carolyn Diane Chittenden, 74, of Russellville, passed away on Friday July 24, 2026 at her daughter’s home. She was born Dec. 26, 1951 in the Land Between the Lakes area in Western Kentucky to the late James Carl Watkins and the late Wanda Duff Peek.
Carolyn moved with her family to Grand Rivers, Ky. as a teenager. She always considered Grand Rivers her home. There she met her husband and they married in 1974, welcomed a daughter in 1977 and eventually departed from Grand Rivers with her family to support her husband as he entered the ministry, helping him to spread the word of God and to be of service to others.
Throughout the years spent in ministry, she was involved with the angel tree program, various toys for tots drives, women's ministries, youth groups, and especially enjoyed yearly Christmas plays performed by the youth, as Christmas was always her favorite holiday. She was also the reason the pastor was on time, well dressed, knew where to be, knew who needed support and knew what look to give him if he became long-winded.
As Carolyn’s health deteriorated, she was forced to step back from many things, but continued to be faithful and steadfast in her relationship with our Lord and Savior.
From her family, friends, doctors, nurses, and anyone blessed to know her, they can attest to Carolyn’s sweet spirit. She had a big heart, was exceptionally kind and through all adversity, tried to smile and laugh through it. Her smile and her spirit is already deeply missed.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Gayle Hammonds; her nephews, Stephen Hammonds and Austin Doom; her niece, Crystal Hammonds; her paternal grandparents, Leaonard and Elvena Watkins; her maternal grandparents, Clarence and Margie Duff; her uncle, Robert Watkins; her brother-in-law, Arnie Chittenden; her sister-in-law, Janice Taylor; and her mother and father-in-law, Jewell and Conrad Chittenden.
Survivors include her husband, Rev. Calvin Chittenden; her daughter, Tammy Chittenden; her "second daughter," Misty Thomas; her brothers, Danny Watkins (Laura) and Dalton Watkins (Lynne); her aunt, Patsy Edwards; her brother-in-law, Ronnie Chittenden (Susan); and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family, whom she loved all dearly.
Visitation will be on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the chapel of Kirby Funeral Services Russellville. Services will be at 1 p.m. with a private burial to follow.