Carol passed away on July 19, 2024, at Pioneer Ridge Assisted Living.
Carol Joyce Ingle-Bell was born in rural Osage County Kansas on December 10, 1925. Her parents were Orville (Pete) and Ruth Foshay-Ingle. Carol graduated from Overbrook High School in 1944. Carol worked for a while in the family restaurant in Overbrook. Carol then moved to Lawrence and was hired at the Sunflower Ammunition Plant in Desoto, Kansas, which supplied materials for the World War II effort. Carol met her future husband Howard F. Bell while working in the plant. They married in 1946 in Overbrook, Kansas and moved to Hiawatha, Kansas where Howard had other family members living. Howard passed away in 1969.
In 1952 they moved to Baldwin and then Lawrence to find better employment opportunities. Carol was a homemaker during this time. In 1960 Carol applied for and was hired by F.W. Woolworths in downtown Lawrence. Carol moved from the merchandise side of the store to the small lunch counter in the store. For a brief time, Carol was promoted to manager. In the late 60’s the old Woolworths store was completely remodeled, and a large full-service restaurant was added with Woolworths popular cheesecake and fresh strawberry pie. Carol would work for almost 29 years for Woolworths before the store and restaurant closed.
Missing work and her Woolworths customers and friends, she went to work at Furr’s Cafeteria located at 23rd and Iowa. Carol soon became affectionately known as the “pie lady.” Not only did she prepare most of the desserts served, but she loved helping on the service line and talking with patrons and friends. Finally, after 12 years, in 2005, due to her health, she retired.
Carols husband Howard, sister June Shannon, brothers Raymond, Dean and Jay Ingle all proceeded her in death.
Carol is survived by her sons Doug and wife Cheryl, Gary, Grand Daughter Kristin, and husband Curtis and Great Grandchildren, Hayden and Faith.
A private family burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery in Hiawatha, Kansas.
I worked with Gary at JC Penneys .. Would go to Woolworths for lunch … Such I kind lady she was. Hard worker
So sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady, I remember her from Woolworth’s and Furr’s. Thoughts and prayers to her family at this difficult time.