Carole Ann Ingram crossed the threshold to enter His glorious Kingdom on November 30, 2019. We are certain there was a jubilee in Heaven to welcome this triumphant soul who lived a life fully in love, faith, and service to others by doing “all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” -John Wesley
Born Carole Ann Williams in Paris, IL, on November 3, 1942, to the late Marjorie Vautrin (Cline) and Howard Gordon Williams, the younger of two daughters. She grew up on a farm in Brocton, IL, in close proximity to her beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, and often recounted the blessings and importance of family.
Carole met her one and only love, Larry Joe Ingram, from Redmon, IL, in the 7th grade. Their first date was the Junior Prom at Brocton High. Both would go on to attend Eastern Illinois University in 1960 and were married on February 24, 1963. In three years, on a music scholarship, Carole obtained her undergraduate degree in Music Education/Piano Performance with a minor in organ; and a Masters degree in Piano Performance. Carole declined an invitation to join a concert circuit as a pianist in Europe, choosing to focus on being a wife, public music teacher, private piano teacher, and church organist. Her long and distinguished music career included professional pianist/organist as soloist and accompanist, music & piano teacher, and countless awards, accreditations/affiliations with music chapters.
Carole would often say her greatest joy was being a devoted wife to Larry, and mother/grandmother to her four children and nine grandchildren – a gift her family treasures as beneficiaries of her love, grace, and example. Carole also wanted to play and teach piano for as long as she could, and quite miraculously, she never retired from the bench, where she made a joyful noise in music worship from a very young age.
Beyond her love for her family, Carole was a loyal friend to everyone. She loved to laugh, and always found time to listen, cry, help, and care for others amidst her very full schedule. Carole was also a flavorful cook and baker, including specialties like pork chops and gravy, oyster dressing, and pies that were off the charts!
Carole had a gentle touch and caring nature, but watch out! She was a fierce competitor in terms of doing your best! Without question, there was no room for half efforts (whether it be sports, music, or dusting furniture), and she expected you to exemplify the best in etiquette and/or sportsmanship. She was a steadfast fan of her cherished Cornhuskers and the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs for more than 45 years.
Carole was the ultimate Pollyanna, never giving in or getting down, never a complainer, and an uncanny resilience that most definitely enabled her to rise above a multi-front war with ovarian cancer. In the end, she defeated all odds, and her spirit won. She wanted to live forever, and believe her wish was granted in a special place up above.
Carole is survived by husband, Larry; son, Jeff, and wife, Kim, children Cooper, Danielle, Chuck; daughter, Jo Anne, and husband, Troy, children Ella and Grant; son, Grant, and wife, Laura, children Brett and Callie; daughter, Elizabeth, children Cody and Lillie; sister, Mary Helen & Ken Hamilton; and sister-in-law, Mary Kay McDonald.
A visitation will be held at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church on Sunday, December 8, from 1-3 pm. 13300 Kenneth Rd. Leawood, Kansas. 66209. Her Funeral and Celebration of Life will be held Monday, December 9, at 10 am. at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church. There will be a brief reception in the church lobby following the service before the family attends a private graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in her honor.
Ingram Family …
We will miss Carole terribly and are saddened by the news of her passing, but are happy in knowing she is no longer suffering and is joined with her Savior. We remember many a family gathering at Thanksgiving time where it was so fun to catch up, converse, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company.
On Eagle’s Wings you now go, Carole ! Please say hello to my Mom and Dad upon your arrival to His kingdom and know we will be thinking of you !
With much love,
John, Matt, and Claire Carlson; Ellen, Nate, Benny, and Ayla Oxenford
West Des Moines, Iowa
Carole was a blessing beyond ,ensure….
Beautifully written for a beautiful soul! She will be terribly missed. ❤
So very sorry for the loss of your sweet mother. She sounds like someone I would have loved to meet. She is surely singing and playing her music in heaven with glorious wings!
Our love and prayers for Larry and the kids, grandkids and all. So wish I could be there for you. I loved Carole so much. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her. Betty Carol
My name is Kim, I was one of Carol’s nurses that cared for her while at Tallgrass Creek. I only knew carol for a few weeks but in those short weeks, there was something about her that drew me into her. She had the most beautiful soul I have ever met. I loved her so in those short weeks and loved her big beautiful smile everyday I went in to see her! This world was definitely a better place with Carol Ingram in it! RIP dear sweet friend!
I am really sad for your whole family, I have so many great and funny memories of Carole going way back to 7th grade! She sure did raise a wonderful family. Sending prayers, love and hugs to you all!
What a beautiful tribute. We both loved Carole and Larry. Prayers for you in your grief. I will also miss her terribly. She was always uplifting, and so caring. She made me feel like family. I so enjoyed sitting behind her in rehearsals, and at church. She so loved every minute and exuded joy always. I will always think of her when I hear piano music. For now there are tears. She loved her family, and told us all about you, and Larry you were always by her side. Always so patiently waiting for her during rehearsals. Your example of love was unyielding and stayed the course through all of her treatments.
Ingram Family!
Your mom was the sweetest thing. She sent the most thoughtful gifts to each of my girls when they were born. She always attached a beautiful note. I am
Sorry you lost your mom. I just can’t imagine. Thinking about you and saying a prayer for you all tonight. I hope she sends you each your own little sign that she is there with you every day.
Love to all of you,
Stephanie Kluver and family
(Carolyn Kavouras’s daughter and Jeff’s niece)
Sweet JoAnne thank you for painting such a beautiful portrait of your Dear Mama. It is so very clear that she was an AMAZING Woman of God on this earth and she was certainly greeted by our Lord with “Well done my Good and Faithful Servant”. Heaven is celebrating her Home Going and you will surely be with her for eternity one day. I pray wonderful, joyful memories flood your heart and mind every moment of event day until you are united again. Blessings over you and your entire family. Kendrick and Coleen Skipper (Friends from The Woodlands, TX)
Carole was a lovely, kind, immensely talented and fiercely loyal woman. I cherish the times with her in choir, with By Faith and singing solos with her gorgeous accompaniment. She made everyone sound better. Her godly countenance is what I will remember most. Heaven is brighter now. Much love and hugs to her family.
Jeff and Kim – So sorry for your loss. I was so fortunate to meet your mom on several occasions and what a JOY!! My thoughts and prayers are for you and your entire family.
What a wonderful memorial to her and this, plus the picture, is just how I remember her! Such a lovely, caring lady. She was very kind to my family. I am so sorry for this loss. She’ll be remembered.
Having just seen Joanne’s post that your darling mother passed, I explained to my husband that I remember your mom as one of the kindest, caring, positive and classy ladies I’ve known. And that was before I read the obituary which so perfectly describes her.
I’m sorry to learn of her passing and of her battle with ovarian cancer. May we all be like her, believing in our best selves and accepting just that.
A bright light from my youth has gone out. My parents were so sorry to hear this news as well. All my thoughts are
with the Ingram family and all my memories are on Perry Dr. again.
As one who reads obituaries to understand what a family valued in the life of their loved one, I am adding my note to your community of loving support. Carole’s beautiful obituary describes a woman I would have been honored to know and claim as a friend. So lovely. May I add my sympathies to you in the loss of a remarkable wife/mother/grandmother/sister/friend.
Carole will be greatly missed and her legacy of care and love for others will be always remembered. I know the Angels welcomed her with beautiful music.
She was our neighbor and friend growing up on the farm. I lost contact so was especially interested in her obituary. Her life of faith, family and service is exactly what I would have expected. “Well done good and faithful servant”.
I knew Larry and Carol. I graduated in 1963. Can’t remember when they graduated but remember they were nice and COOL too. I’ve been reading the other comments and she was a classy, loved gal. God bless her entire family❤
What a legacy this beautiful lady left behind….she was so amazing in every way- always with a smile and a hug and an encouraging word. Sending love to all the Ingrams.
What a beautifully written testament to Carole. She lived a glorious life! We are thinking of all of you and pray that you have peace and comfort in knowing Carole is in the presence of God and all of her loved ones that have gone before her. God bless you all.
The Phil Barber Family
This is such a beautifully written and accurate tribute to a remarkable woman.
May God’s Love and Care surround you all.
Katherine Ann
I have been blessed to have been a friend. Larry, to you and your kids, may all your memories give you comfort. Please stay in touch with Illinois friends. Carole Ann was definitely an inspiration and I’ll never forget our phone calls. BHS Class of ’60.
I found out today that Heaven has another Angel! Carole was a huge part of my childhood as she played the piano for our church and I was in every choir starting in the children’s choir up until high school. When I was planning my wedding, Carole was the only pianist that I would consider. The day before my wedding, my bridesmaid, Jacqui, and I went to Carole’s house to practice her solo. Unfortunately Jacqui had a cold and couldn’t reach the notes. That wasn’t a problem for Carole, she just changed the arrangement of the song, Come Saturday Morning, for Jacqui’s range. Carole was a treasure and will be missed! Sending prayers and love for her family!