Carole Sue Faris

Carole Sue Faris, a cherished wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and loyal friend, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026, having lived a beautiful life. She was surrounded by family who loved her dearly.

Carole was the youngest of three children, born to Ernest P. Simmons, Sr. and Mary Edith Simmons, on November 21, 1936, in Kansas City, KS. The family moved to Okmulgee, OK when Carole was three years old, and returned to Kansas City, KS when Carole was five years old. She grew up there, graduating from Wyandotte High School in 1954.

Carole loved working in her family’s business, Simmons Gun Specialties. She started shooting skeet at a young age, accompanying her Pop to the gun club every weekend. Carole was a very talented shooter and achieved the title of National Junior Girls Skeet Shooting Champion in 1950, 1951,1952, and World Champion in 1953.

Carole’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted daughter, who cared for her parents. The love she showed them became an example for the rest of her family. Her strength, wisdom, comfort, and presence will forever echo in their lives.

Carole is survived by her devoted husband, Don Faris; her children, Bemby Yocum and Charlie, Dorothy Hoyt, Merry McBride and Calvin, Tim Faris, Tammi Jones and Bill; grandchildren, Russ Yocum and Stephanie, Hilary Morgan, Dennis Crowl, Donald Crowl, Sarah Yocum, Johnny Kapple, Casey Jones, Alison Ronan and Jack, Trent Jones, Austin Faris, and Gregory Pender, who was like a grandson; great-grandchildren Bri White, Aiden Yocum, Logan Yocum, Lucas Yocum, brother and sisters-in-law Bob Faris and Pat, and Bev Woodbury, a dear, life-long friend, Judy Hennessy, and nieces, nephews and cousins. Carole is preceded in death by her parents, siblings Ernest P. Simmons, Jr. and Jean, and Betty Ewens and Cleo, daughter Betty Kapple, son-in-law Tim Hoyt, grandchildren Thomas Crowl, Daniel Yocum, Emily Yocum, Jennifer McBride, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

She loved being involved in many things. She was a room mother, taught ceramic classes in the basement of their home in Roeland Park, KS and was active in Chelsea Park Christian Church in Kansas City, KS. She was a Girl Scout Leader when her daughters were in grade school and was active with Youth Group at First Christian Church in Olathe, KS when they were young teens. When Carole and Don moved to Lane, KS in 1989, she became active in the community, demonstrating her love and caring for others. She was a founding member of Kid’s Club at Lane United Methodist Church, sharing Jesus’ teachings with the neighborhood children for 20+ years. She was also a member of the Lane Fair Board for many years. She loved animals and had many beloved pets throughout the years. Carole enjoyed farm life with Don, hatching chicks, raising bottle calves and canning garden produce. They also worked together in their business, Tridon Lawn Services.

Carole was caring and generous. She had a big heart and a sweet, fun-loving spirit. Those who knew her will remember her sense of humor, and the way she made everyone feel valued. Her legacy is her value of family and everyday acts of kindness. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love a gift that will endure.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., with a Memorial Service following at 10:00 a.m., at Dengel & Son Mortuary, 305 N. Pearl St., Paola, KS 66071.

Flowers may be sent to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be sent to Lane United Methodist Church, or Alzheimer’s Association c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary-Paola Chapel.

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