Carol Ann Carr

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.