Charlotte Lorraine Kassen Lock, 98, of Carrollton, Missouri, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025.
Born on February 25, 1927, in Holyoke, Colorado, Charlotte was the daughter of Frank and Verna Kassen. In 1932, her family returned to Carrollton, where she would make her home for the rest of her life. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from Carrollton High School before working at Firestone Mercantile for three years.
In 1946, Charlotte married the love of her life, Theodore “Ted” Lock, and together they built a beautiful life raising eight children. Life on the family farm south of town was busy, but Charlotte’s dedication, resourcefulness, and love created a warm and welcoming home. She was a gifted cook and seamstress, keeping her family well-fed and clothed-her cinnamon rolls were simply the best!
Charlotte’s happiest moments were spent surrounded by family. She cherished hosting gatherings on the farm, where the large grassy lawn became the setting for countless ball games, hot dog roasts, ice cream cones at sunset on the cellar hill and laughter-filled evenings. She had a way of making every person feel loved and cared for, a gift she carried throughout her 98 years.
Once her children were grown, Charlotte began working side by side with Ted at the Carrollton Livestock Auction, often alongside some of their sons. She put her bookkeeping skills to work there, a talent that also came in handy at home during the thousands of rounds of Yahtzee, Monopoly and checkers she happily played with her grandchildren over the years. And while Charlotte was one of the kindest and most gracious women you could meet, she was also quietly competitive when it came to games, delighting in a win almost as much as she delighted in the company.
A woman of deep faith, Charlotte was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and an active member of the Altar Society. Her compassion extended far beyond her own family as she spent many of her days preparing meals for shut-ins, collecting clothing for those in need, making lap quilts for nursing home residents, and delivering Meals on Wheels throughout Carroll County. Her life was a testament to kindness, service, and unconditional love.
Charlotte is survived by her children, Ted Lock (Diann), Tom Lock (Jana), Donna McGehee, Suzanne Kruse (Stan), Mike Lock (Nancy), Pat Lock (Marcie), Dave Lock (Mary), Doug Lock (Terri); 22 grandchildren and more than 31 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Ted, her parents, six siblings, daughter-in-law Debbie Lock, grandchildren Justin and Angela Lock, and son-in-law Dan McGehee.
Her legacy of faith, generosity, and love will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, August 18, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Carrollton, officiated by Father Criqui. The recitation of the Rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m. Visitation will be held from 10:00 -11:00 a.m. Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Monsignor Summers Scholarship Fund at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 211 East Shanklin Street, Carrollton, MO 64633.
Arrangements are under the care of Meyer’s Funeral Chapel in Blue Springs. Memories of Charlotte and words of comfort for her family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com
Source: KMZU, The Farm
