Carol Ann Roberts

Carol Ann Roberts, 87, beloved wife to husband, Ray, devoted mom to her five children, Mary K., Brett, Brad, Diane, and Jan, Gran Carol to 27 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren, aunt, sister, cousin, friend, and neighbor, went to Heaven on October 4, 2023, and is now with Jesus and surrounded by loved ones. Carol will always be remembered for her strong and enduring love of her husband, Ray, her home, her family, her patriotic heart for the United States of America, her devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ, and for her service and commitment to His church through her love of God’s word, on-going prayer, generosity, gift giving, and her welcoming, joyful hospitality.

A Celebration of Carol's Life will take place at 1:00pm on Saturday, October 28th at Colonial Presbyterian Church, 9500 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64114.

Carol was the first-born child of Mary Belle and Walter Gould on October 5, 1935, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kansas City, MO. Their family lived in Prairie Village, KS where Carol went to Prairie Grade School and graduated from Shawnee Mission High School in 1953—the first of the Shawnee Mission high schools. Her family belonged to Roanoke Presbyterian Church in Westport. Some of Carol’s childhood activities included piano lessons from Mrs. Blim, going to the movies, and Sunday dinners with cousins at Grandma and Grandpa Selders’ house.

Carol attended William Jewel College her freshman year and pledged Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She then transferred to The University of Kansas.

Carol met the love of her life, Ray Gordon Roberts, on a blind date arranged by Aunt Millie. Ray was a golfer! Ray and Carol were married at The Village Church on March 23, 1958. As a couple and family, they resided in Kansas City, MO; Emporia, KS; briefly in Kemmerer, WY; briefly in Washington, DC; Overland Park, KS; Fort Scott, KS; and Arlington Heights, IL; retiring in south Overland Park, KS.

Carol was first a wife, homemaker, and full-time mother, caring for home and actively serving her five children. Carol served as PTA president at Cherokee Elementary School, and she was a Den Mother for Cub Scouts. She was featured once in the KC Star newspaper on the cooking page! Carol had many talents including sewing clothing for her children and needlework. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, and July 4th were celebrated at the beautiful table with décor, delicious food, and family being together.

Carol was the neighborhood organizer. The Wingate neighbors, still friends today, celebrated throughout the years. A most memorable Fourth of July in 1976 included closing off streets for a parade featuring Americana floats, a horse with a minute man holding the reins, a giant flag cake set up on a ping pong table, and a balloon release.

Carol held numerous positions later in life including an associate at Christine’s Gift Shop, teacher at La Petite Academy, office administrator at Leawood United Methodist, Director of Volunteer Services at Fort Scott Hospital, and real estate agent with Reece Nichols.

Carol was an active member of P.E.O. and Daughters of the American Revolution. Carol was a supportive and avid volunteer involved with pro-life organization Vitae Society, Salvation Army auxiliary, American Cancer Society, Camp Hope, Rended Heart bringing help and healing to victims of human trafficking, Fort Scott Historical Society volunteer, political campaigns, and the homeless in Chicago.

Carol and Ray are 25+ year members of Colonial Presbyterian Church. They attended a small group, were part of Sunday school class, and served communion during worship service. Colonial brought many dear friendships and activities.

Great family memories include Waffle Sundays at Gran Carol and Papa Ray’s home where birthdays were celebrated every month for their grandchildren and annual travel to Myrtle Beach, SC to visit daughter Jan and her family for time together at the beach and golfing. Fourth of July featured a giant inflatable for water play and a stop by the ice cream man. On July Fourth, Gran Carol led the family in the Pledge of Allegiance and reading the preamble of the Constitution and prayer for our nation. Christmas Eve at Gran and Papa’s was an anticipated celebration with a family meal together.

Carol leaves behind her husband of 65 years, Ray, and the following children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren:

Daughter, Mary K. and husband Greg Clinton of Overland Park, KS; and their five children and eight (soon-to-be 10) grandchildren: grandson John Clinton, his wife Rebekah, and great grandchildren Orion, Eisley, Reigns, and Viggo; grandson Ben Clinton, his wife Natalie, and great-grandchildren Rende, Savvy, and Zuriel; granddaughter Sara, her husband David Springer, and first baby due May 2024; grandson Sam Clinton, his wife Adia, great grandchild Leon, and new baby girl born October 9, 2023; and grandson Joshua Clinton.

Son, Brett Roberts and wife Elaine of Peculiar, MO; and their six children and two grandchildren: grandson Shane Roberts, his wife Laura, and great-grandchildren Alayna and Zaiyah; grandson Chase Roberts, his wife Katelyn, and grandchildren Alex, Evan, Naomi, and Merritt.

Son, Brad Roberts, his wife Stephanie of Kansas City, MO; and their thirteen children and twelve (soon-to-be 14) grandchildren: grandson Austin Roberts, his wife Angela, great grandchild Rosa, and new baby due in 2024; grandson Nathan Roberts, his wife Sarah, and great grandchildren Ethan, Gideon, Caleb, Ciara, and Theodore; grandson Luke Roberts, his wife Ashley, great grandchildren Lillette, Remington, Floraline, Valentina, and new baby due in 2024; granddaughter Natalie, her husband Jordan, and great grandchildren Wolfgang and Apollo; granddaughter Hope; granddaughter Olivia; granddaughter Stephanie and her husband Christian Lester; and grandchildren Charlotte, Jack, Sophia, Emelia, Ava, and Seth.

Daughter, Diane and husband Jerry Wojcicki of North Kansas City, MO.

Daughter, Jan Williams of Greensboro, NC; and her three children and upcoming first grandchild: granddaughter Tavish, her husband José Ladino; granddaughter Andria, her husband Riché Zamor and baby boy due January 2024; and grandson Brandon.

Carol leaves behind her sister Sheron and her husband, Dave George of Lenexa, KS; her niece Katy, husband Tom Cupples; and sons, Tommy and Augie; niece SuzAnn and her husband Charles Orr and family; niece, Pam Chrisman; nephew, John Jay and his wife Penny Chrisman and family; and niece, Kathaleen Roberts.