Carol Ann Marie Harkleroad

Carol Ann Marie Harkleroad (née Burkett), 71, of Stilwell, Kansas, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on September 26, 1952, in Minot, North Dakota, Carol was the 6th of 9 children. She grew up in a large and loving Catholic family, with her parents Josephine (Kuechenmeister) and Llewellyn Burkett, siblings Marilyn Fairborther, Kathleen Holmes, and Thomas, Ronald, Llewellyn, Joseph, James, and Eleanor Burkett.

Carol attended Bishop Ryan High School, where she graduated in 1970, before briefly attending Minot State University. In 1974, she met the love of her life, David Harkleroad, when he was stationed at Minot Air Force Base and lived next door. They married in 1975 and embarked on a journey of love and adventure that would span 50 years.

Carol proudly served her country. She enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard in 1974, serving until 1976 when she left to become a mother. During her time in the military, Carol distinguished herself in Basic Training by earning the Expert marksman medal, an accomplishment she held with pride throughout her life. Carol was the first female to serve in her unit in Minot, North Dakota.
Their lives took them to many places, including Ohio, Utah, and Colorado, before settling in Stilwell, Kansas, in 1986, where Carol would spend the remainder of her life. Together, Carol and David raised four children—Ranae, Allen, Alex, and Derek—who brought her immense pride and joy. She adored her 10 grandchildren: Apolo, Orion, Layla, Michael, Nicholas, Miranda, Jude, Leif, Luke, and Miles, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

In her youth, Carol was a passionate softball player winning the State championship playing shortstop. She also played and coached volleyball. As she got older, her love for sports continued, and she became an avid bowler. She enjoyed playing bunko, and cherished the friendships she built through these activities. While she originally rooted for the Seattle Seahawks, after moving to Kansas, Carol became a devoted fan of the Kansas City Chiefs. One of her most treasured memories was meeting her favorite player, Dante Hall, and proudly displaying the signed jersey he gave her.

Carol worked in various roles throughout her life, but some of the most meaningful were her positions with the Blue Valley School District. She loved working in the lunchrooms at Blue Valley Middle School and Blue Valley High School, where she enjoyed the chance to spend more time with her children during their school years. Later, she managed the salad bar at Queens Price Chopper in Stanley, Kansas, where she delighted in connecting with the community.

Travel was another of Carol’s great passions. She journeyed across the United States and explored far-flung destinations like Japan, Egypt, Ghana, Spain, and Italy, among other European countries. She also had a deep love of music, especially the songs of Neil Diamond, whose music accompanied her through life’s many moments.

At her core, Carol’s greatest love was her family. She had an incredible ability to make everyone feel welcome and cherished, treating her children’s friends as her own. With her big heart and infectious spirit, she formed lasting bonds with anyone fortunate enough to meet her.

Carol is survived by her beloved husband, David, her children Ranae, Allen, Alex, and Derek, her sisters Kathie and Eleanor, and her brothers Joe and Jamie. She will be remembered for her kindness, her generosity, and the love she shared with family and friends alike.
Carol’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She was deeply loved, and her absence will be felt by many.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for the installation of a memorial bench in the Overland Park Arboretum, one of Carol’s favorite places. Donations can be made online (https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/arts-and-rec-foundation-of-overland-park/fota-contribution) or by mailing checks to Friends of the Arboretum, PO Box 26392, Overland Park, KS 66225. Please include Carol’s name in the memo line or dedication field to make sure the donation goes to the right place.