Carolyn Sue Eschbach Bottila, 65, of De Soto died Sept. 22, 2026, at her home. Mrs. Bottila was an accomplished musician, florist and lover of nature and being outdoors who also enjoyed giving back to the community.
Professionally, she was the owner/operator of Carolyn’s Flowers located in the Bell Center in downtown St. Louis and Carolyn’s Flowers in the Soulard district. She was a national award-winning fiddle player and the founder and director of the Jefferson County Youth Symphony. She worked diligently in the creation of the Nancy Eschbach Forest River Trail, which was designated as a “Forever Property,” with the Open Space Council serving as its custodian; it is located along the Meramec River in Sunset Hills on the old Lemp property. Born Oct. 18, 1960, in St. Louis, she was the daughter of the late Nancy J. (Davidson) and Walter L. Eschbach.
She is survived by her husband: Jack Roger Bottila II.
A celebration of life will be private. Memorials may be made to Senior Care Solutions/The Collins House. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.