She is survived by her adopted children, Brent Stockwell of Scottsdale, Arizona, his wife Raelyn and children Daniel, Abbey and Emily, and their dog Hope, also of Scottsdale, and Amy Edwards, and her dog Hawkeye, of Lawrence. She is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Leota Carruthers, her sister Marilyn Jones, and her beloved dog Wookie.

Carole was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas and graduated from Highland Park High School in 1961. She moved to Lawrence as a young adult, lived there throughout her adult life, and worked at the KU Center for Research until her retirement in 2003. She loved traveling, playing cards with friends, and spending time with her dog and family.

The family would like to thank all those who cared for her following her traumatic brain injury and strokes, in particular the staff at Minds Matter, Lawrence Presbyterian Manor, and the Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association

No service is planned, and the family only asks that she be remembered fondly by those who knew and loved her.