Carol L. Lange

She was born on July 22, 1945, in Springfield, the daughter of Clarence John and Ellabertha Minnie (Paris) Rice.

Carol grew up in Springfield and graduated from Springfield High School in 1963. She went on to become a flight attendant and purser for Northwest Airlines from 1965 to 2007, primarily being based in Seattle, Minneapolis, Detroit, and Washington, D.C. Carol’s 42 years as a flight attendant really reflected her life, as she exemplified the phrase “born free.” She was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Springfield and a past church council member. At St. John’s, Carol was a Confirmation small group leader for over 15 years, a communion assistant, a VBS volunteer, and spent many hours in the kitchen making and preparing meals. She is also a member of the Springfield Newcomers’ Club. Carol loved spending time with her cats and enjoyed playing bridge, pinochle, canasta, golf, and spending time in her yard. She dedicated a large part of her life to caring for the kids and grandkids who lovingly knew her as “Grandma Carol.”

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Carol is survived by her sister, Linda Rice of Rochester, IL; brother, Fred (Melody) Rice of Springfield; niece, Lori (Bob) Whitmore of Ashland, IL; and nephew, Daniel Rice of New Berlin, IL. Carol is also survived by her special family members, Aimee and Darren Johnson, Mandy and Adam Saathoff, and Larry (and the late Carol) Sipes all of Rochester; and grandchildren, Emma and Sophie Johnson, Isabella Saathoff, and Emma, Luke, and Liam Busboom.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

Memorial Ceremony: A memorial ceremony will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., Springfield with Reverend Dr. Greg Busboom officiating. A reception will follow in the Parish Life Center.

Private interment will be held at Chatham Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 W. Washington St., Springfield, IL 62702; Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.