Carol F. Shannon (1938-2025)
Carol F. Shannon, 86, of Hutchinson, Kan., died Jan. 16, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones at Prairie Sunset Home, Pretty Prairie, Kan. She was born Sept. 18, 1938, in Ellsworth, Kan., to Ralph and Mildred (Vodraska) Vopat.
Carol graduated from Ellsworth High School with the class of 1956. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1960 from Marymount College while minoring in chemistry and English. Carol was a social worker for the state of Kansas, working with many families until her retirement in 1995 when she began substitute teaching around Reno County.
Carol had a great love for animals, especially miniature Schnauzers and her outside feline friends. She never turned down a rousing card game and took great delight in winning against her beloved children and grandchildren.
On May 19, 1962, Carol married her beloved husband sweetheart, James Leland Shannon, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, Ellsworth, where she was a lifelong member. They shared nearly 38 beautiful years of marriage before his death on Feb. 5, 2000.
Carol is survived by son James Leland Shannon II (Karen), Hutchinson, Kan.; daughter Donna Richards, Pretty Prairie, Kan.; grandchildren Garieth Shannon, Rachel A. Shannon (Alexander) Ratzlaff and Garieth Shannon, all of Hutchinson and Selena Waplelehorst, Wichita, Kan.; and many nieces, nephews, friends and family.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Mildred Vopat; husband James L. Shannon; infant son Clarence J. “CJ” Shannon; granddaughter Rebecca “Becca” Shannon; siblings Evelyn Arensman, Mona Brubaker, Edward Vopat and infant brother William Vopat; and several nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law.
Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 911 N. Kansas Ave., Ellsworth, Kan., the Rev. Stanley Basil officiating. Inurnment will follow at Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery, Ellsworth. Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Hutchinson Animal Shelter in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main St., Hutchinson, KS 67501.