Carol Ann Carr
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Carol Ann Soendker Carr, 85, transitioned to her eternal home on Saturday, March 28, 2020 at LMH Health.
Carol Ann Soendker was born June 17, 1934, in Wellington, MO, to Ervin William and Tillie Henrietta (Kohlstaedt) Soendker. She recalled a happy childhood playing with siblings and cousins, learning to play piano, and working on the farm. Riding the old mule, Kate, was also a memory which stood out. Carol was baptized and confirmed at St. Luke’s Evangelical and Reformed Church in Wellington.
She graduated from Wellington High School in 1952, and was the class valedictorian. After high school, Carol joined an aunt and sister Delores in Kansas City, MO. She received an Executive Secretarial diploma from the Kansas City College of Commerce, and worked ten years in Kansas City. Many of those working years were spent at Montgomery Wards. In the 1970’s, Carol studied Christian education and took Instroteach classes at Sterling College. She received a Certificate of Completion for the Instroteach Sunday School Superintendent program.
Carol met Victor Carr while they were both attending an adult Sunday School class at Linwood Methodist Church in KC. They were married on October 20, 1962, and moved to Lawrence in May 1964. They enjoyed square dancing, church and family activities, playing board games, and meeting international students. Together, they raised two daughters, Gayla and Linda, and later enjoyed babysitting and playing games with grandsons, Matt and Alex. Faith, family, and friends were at the center of their lives.
Carol was employed as Children’s Director at Plymouth Congregational Church from 1973 – 1982, and by First Christian Church as secretary from 1982 – 1992. After this, she was employed by the State of Kansas at the Lawrence SRS office – Social Services Unit from 1992 until she retired in 2003.
She was a member of the First Christian Church and the Homebuilders Sunday School Class where she served many years as pianist and co-teacher, and served several years in the Stephen Ministry. She was active many years in the Lawrence Host Family Program and served on the Board. Carol was also an active member of the church’s outreach program, and in charge of corresponding with missionaries and reporting on their activities.
Carol enjoyed the last four years at the Arbor Court Retirement Community. She played piano for the Sunday services and also helped coordinate the services. In addition, she enjoyed visiting with Arbor residents and playing games such as Bingo and Bunco.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Victor Carr; sisters Delores Delaney and Shirley Soendker; brother Arlen Soendker; and brothers-in-law, Robert Thomann, Byron Delaney, Albert Carr and John Carr. She is survived by her two daughters, Gayla Carr Schmitz and husband Mark Schmitz, and Linda Carr Pickerel and husband Mark Pickerel; two grandsons, Matthew Pickerel and Alex Pickerel; sister Fern Thomann; sister-in-law Jane Soendker, along with several cousins, nieces and nephews.
A private graveside service will be held in early April, with a memorial service/celebration of life at a later date.
She will lie-in-state from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Monday, April 6, 2020 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence for those who wish to pay their respects.
The family suggests memorials in her name to the Lawrence Interdenominational Nutrition Kitchen (LINK), which may be sent in care of the Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
To Carol’s family,
I am saddened to hear Carol has passed away. I worked with her at SRS and found her to be kind, thoughtful and sweet. My deepest condolences.
Carol’s family,
I also worked with Carol at SRS and she was always kind and had a smile on her face. Later, I would see her in the grocery store and she was always smiling.
I will miss seeing her smiling face…nice lady. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Deepest sympathy to the family. I met Carol at Arbor Court after my mother moved there last November. Such a friendly face to see when visitung. She will be greatly missed. Enjoyed hearing her play the piano.
I am so very sorry to learn of Carol’s passing. We would always visit when I would stop by Arbor Court to attend to my uncle. May your family find peace and comfort in your memories and her love.
Going to miss my grandmother and someone I was close to for a long time. Carol Carr will never ever be forgotten and will greatly be missed. We love you grandma and we sure will miss you!
She was First Christian Church’s go-to for any needed info about members and church business. Always a sympathetic,efficient,and friendly presence in the office as a director of first impressions. More concerned about others than herself. A real gem.
Ilah Miller considered Carol one of her best friends. I’m glad for that because I could not always be there for her and Carol filled in for me.
Carol was kindness personified. She will be missed.
I worked with Carol for SRS for her whole time of service. She was always so happy and helpful in every way. I would see her in the Dillons grocery store and catch up.
I send my heartfelt sympathy to both of her daughters and grandchildren.
She set a great example for others to live by.
Yoshio and Ai Okada
Going to miss Carol forever. She was so kind to international students and helped them to make their life happy. We will never forget her kind mind and keep trying to help international students in Japan whenever necessary,
I witnessed Carol’s kindness and graciousness each and every time I was in her presence. This very special lady will be missed by everyone who knew her.
Gayla and Linda – So sorry to hear about your mother’s death.
I enjoyed watching the memorial video.
Blessings to you and your families.
My sincere condolences to Carol’s family and friends. She was a very sweet person with always a caring and kind word. I knew her through her work at SRS and talked with her in recent years when I visited friends at Arbor Court. She will be truly missed.
I was sorry to hear of Carol’s passing. She was a faithful member of our congregation who served here for many years. I always enjoyed her sweet smile and friendly attitude. She will be missed!
My grandparents, Tyrel and Abbie Ford were so fond of your mom and your family. She touched so many lives during her stay here on earth. I hope you feel comforted by God during your grieving. Take care. Julie (Larson) Rea
Our deepest sympathy and prayers. My husband was born and raised in Wellington, MO. His dad, David O Garrison (Mary) and Arlen were close friends.
So sorry to learn of Carol’s passing. I worked with Carol at the Lawrence DCF (then SRS) Office. She was a kind and loving soul.
Very touched by the outpouring of kind cards and condolences we have received. Thank you all to the many friends and family of my mother. Take care all & God bless you. We will miss her.
I knew Carol from Arbor Court; her apartment was just a few doors down from my mother’s. Carol was always so encouraging to my mom and always stopped to say “Hi” when I’d be there visiting. Loved to hear her play the piano. I knew Gayla from our days working at VNA. I am so sorry for your lost. My mom passed away 2 days before Carol. Blessings to your family.
I knew Carol by working with her at the Lawrence SRS. She was very pleasant to be around, always willing to help, and had a great sense of humor. Love and Prayers to all who are grieving and God Bless.
Thank you, Linda and Gayla, for the beautiful memorial video. I will always remember your mom with the signature friendly smile. Hers was a faithful life of service to others, skilled as a secretary and pianist and Bible teacher. Thank you for your loving tribute to your mom through the obituary. I kept saying through tears, “Yes, that was the Carol I knew!”
She was a sweet lovely woman.. I knew her years ago when I had small children in Sunday School and she was their teacher.