Carol L. Bethel

Carol Bethel, age 98 yrs., lived in Topeka, KS. She graduated from Topeka High School in 1946. Her Jr. High and High School years had two older brothers serving in WW 2.

She was born April 1928, in Seneca, KS to George E. Hailey and Sadie H. Baumgartner. She had 5 brothers and 1 younger sister and was the middle child. The family moved to North Topeka when Carol was in 2nd grade.

Carol married Howard Bethel in December 1951. They lived in Topeka, KS and had 3 children. Forrest (passed away in 2003), Tami (Barry), and Tim (Susie). Carol has 5 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Carol worked for 27 years for the State of Kansas as a Clerk until 2005. She was a member of several Clubs, including Bible Study Fellowship for Women, Christian Business Women’s Club, TOPS, Community Church and Wanamaker Rd. Baptist Church.

Family was one of Carol’s greatest joys. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her love, encouragement, and caring spirit created cherished memories that will live on for generations. She will be missed.

A funeral service to honor her life will take place at 11:00am on Saturday October 24, 2026 at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave Topeka, Kansas 66604. The visitation will take place the hour prior. After the funeral, Carol will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the Topeka Rescue Mission, 600 N. Kansas Ave. , Topeka 66608 OR Compassion Strategies, PO Box 8626, Topeka, 66608.

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