Carol Ann Detter Falen, Age 86, entered into rest peacefully on December 28, 2021, in Missoula, Montana. She was born on November 8, 1935, daughter to Harry and Mildred Detter in Hutchinson, Kansas.
She graduated from Winfield High School, Winfield, Kansas in 1953 as valedictorian and received several art awards. Carol has maintained lifelong friendships from her days there. She attended Oklahoma State University where she was a very active member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Carol was chosen to represent OSU and honored as an American Royal Princess in 1954.
Carol married Darrell Keith Falen on June 23, 1956. They had 59 joyous years, filled with adventure and extensive travel within the US and Abroad. They spent their early married days with the US Navy in Florida, California, and Washington State, landing back in Kansas to continue raising their two children. Carol finished her undergraduate work at Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas in 1969. She began teaching Home Economics at West Junior High School, Lawrence, Kansas alongside her dear friend Janet Fike, retiring after 26 years in 1995. Carol was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church, Lawrence, Kansas where she also volunteered. She continued to help with the University of Kansas Alpha Chi Omega chapter in Lawrence.
Carol was blessed with a wonderful family and many friends with whom she enjoyed bridge, coffee, parties, travel, boating, skiing, golfing and sharing cherished memories. She was an accomplished painter and loved to sew and quilt, designing numerous beautiful creations, donating and gifting to others.
Carol treasured her time with family. Together, Noni and Pop Pop supported and shared in their grandsons lives and activities, bringing much pride and joy to all. Carol proudly supported her husband as Coach and Administrator at Lawrence High School and was also a loyal fan of the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, KC Royals and the KC Chiefs sports teams.
Carols beloved husband, her parents and brother, Marshall Detter preceded her in death.
She will be greatly missed by her two children and spouses, son Steve Falen and wife Susan, daughter Diana Vincent and husband Jeff, grandsons Zach Falen, Cooper and Tanner Vincent, sister and brother-in-law Janice and Larry Flick and sister-in-law Diane Detter.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Springs At Missoula and Pioneer Ridge Independent Living in Lawrence for the care extended to Carol during her time living in each facility.
Private inurnment is planned. A Celebration of Life will be held from noon to 2 pm Saturday, April 9th, 2022, at the Eldridge Hotel.
