Carol Sue (Thornburg) Benoit of Wichita, peacefully passed away surrounded by family and friends on Friday, March 6, 2020. Carol was born January 20, 1957, the daughter of Kenneth “Dale” and Ann Maurice (Coleman) Thornburg, in Wichita, Kansas. Carol, along with her sisters, Karen and Deborah, grew up in the family home built by Dale on Redbarn Street. Carol graduated from Wichita West High School in 1975 and went on to attend Brown Mackie College in Salina for court reporting. Later, Carol received her associates degree which lead her down the path to become a Legal Secretary.
Carol was introduced to Dan Benoit at his going away party and they were married for 7 years. Their greatest joy was becoming parents to Matt in 1989 and Kaiti in 1991. Although they were married for a short time, they remained close with their main focus and friendship revolving around raising their kids.
After working numerous memorable part-time jobs and for other prestigious law firms, Carol found her home at Foulston Siefkin in July of 1994 where she remained until her passing. Carol made friends wherever she went, so it was natural that she picked up several life-long friends along the way. She was dedicated in every aspect of her life. It was no surprise when she was home recovering that she asked Kaiti and Matt daily if work knew she was not going to be in.
Carol, Matt, and Kaiti were quite the trio and went by the name “The Happy Bunch”. Growing up Carol gave her kids everything in life, no matter what the cost, because she wanted them to pursue their greatest passions. You would often hear Carol referred to as “Mizzle” or “The Miz”. (An outcome of the kids growing up in the 90s and early 2000s). The name became legendary and she is still referred to as “The Miz” today.
Over the years Carol enjoyed concerts, sporting events, crafts, walking, gardening, and anything that got her up and outside. It takes a gentle soul to buy plants from the 25 cent rack at Lowe’s and turn them into beautiful thriving flowers. In Carol’s eyes, everything deserved a second chance, which is how she ended up with countless amounts of yard art and four cats.
To know Carol was to love her and this was apparent in the relationships that she surrounded herself with. Carol was the definition of an optimist and had a contagious positive spirit that could not be altered. If you were around her for any period there was no doubt you heard her favorite line, “Every Day Is a Holiday!”.
Carol would not want to be defined by her struggles and trials during her 19 month battle with cancer but this is what made her a hero to us all. Carol’s true spirit and fight shined so bright that it touched every soul around her, regardless of who you were and how you knew her. Carol’s greatest moments in her life were spent with her family and friends who will keep her legacy alive and spread the word to others about how she brought such joy to all.
Carol S. (Thornburg) Benoit is survived by her father, “Dale” Thornburg; son Matt Benoit; daughter Kaiti Benoit; sisters Karen Mikesell and Deborah McDonald. Carol also leaves behind nieces, nephews, cousins and many great friends to cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ann M. Thornburg and brother-in-law Joseph I. Mikesell.
Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for 10:00am on Friday, March 13, 2020 at Central Community Church Chapel. 6100 W. Maple, Wichita, KS 67209.
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