Carol Ann Marie Harkleroad
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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.
My dear lovely sister how special she was. Always kind and generous in every way. She was always available when needed. May you rest in Gods hands until we meet again!!!
I will miss you sissy.
Carol was a high school classmate who remand my best friend to this day. She would come back to North Dakota for visits and we would have the best time. She truly had a heart of gold and I will miss our phone conversations She loved her children and grandchildren so much and talked about them often. I Love you Carol and may you rest in peace in the arms of Jesus.
A beautifully written remembrance of a remarkable woman. She was always such a shining light. Give Marilyn a big hug for me Sissy!
No one could have had a better big sister. She was always there for me. I admired her athletic skills and was proud to have her as my volleyball coach. Carol was kind and accepting. I will miss our conversations and the sound of your laugh my dear brown-eyed sis.
Carol was a kind and generous spirit and like a second mother to our son, Tom. Our prayers go out to her family as the mourn her loss.
Bev Burkett
Carol will be missed by everyone. She had a beautiful calming spirit.
She will remain with everyone in their heart, So sorry for your loss.
Carol always greeted us with a warm smile and hello. We’d meet outside when walking by her home or run into one another at the store or at community events.We shared many grandchildren tales and laughter about the things they say and do. She adored them.
Prayers and condolences to her family as we know she is greatly missed.
I am deeply sorry for the loss of this extraordinary woman. David, my heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time.
I cherish the memories of our time together – the morning coffees, the afternoons spent playing cards, and our long conversations. I will always treasure those moments with you and Carol.
Your remembrance was beautiful and said so much about this sweet, funny lady. I met her through a mutual friend, but would run into her other places. She always treated me like a true friend and had time for funny conversations. Condolences to her much loved family.
Carol was such a sweet and loving woman. We will miss her smile and her gentle ways.
Our prayers go out to her family.
I miss you so very much Carol, you are one of the best friends anyone could have and I’m so glad that we were friends, you were always there for me no matter what. I miss your weekly phone calls, we always had something to chat about and laughed a lot !!
You always had kind words for people and a great smile.
Love and prayers to your family.
I think about you every day!!!!
I miss my grandma every day and its been hard but at least she was there for us when she was with us but trust me I always knew deep down that she would pass on but it was for the best to let her rest after so long and we will ass miss my grandma so from the moon and back this is her grandson, Orion harkleroad