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Carol Estelle Dunshee Blake, age 89, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, November 26, 2021 surrounded by family and loved ones. Carol, wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandma, great-grandma and great-great grandma was born October 14, 1932 along with her twin Carlisle to Opal and Dr. Lisle Dunshee in Moline, Kansas. She was a 1950 graduate of Moline High School where she met the love of her life, Richard Erwin Blake. They were married January 24, 1951.
Carol and Richard remained sweethearts and were married for 62 years until his death in 2013. After high school they attended college at Pittsburg State in Kansas until family illness necessitated a move to the rock quarry business that through the years proved quite fruitful for the family. Carol and Richard lived in many towns building the business until they settled in Pawhuska in 1962. An appreciation for all types of individuals and work environments are indicated by her various jobs outside of the home including: a microbiology lab technician, a bookkeeper and secretary at a variety of places such as the Chautauqua County Courthouse, Farmers Home Administration, Sunoco, an accounting firm, and a partner of the Pawhuska Machine Shop. At thirteen Carol worked on roller skates at a fast-food establishment.
Her love of family and friends was steadfast, especially for her kids whom she taught a strong work ethic and love of neighbor. Carol cherished her children. All will forever remember her holiday feasts and the home she created to allow the best naps and tremendous fun. Carol loved bridge, Jeopardy, church, gardening, bird watching, clouds, traveling, quilting, sunrises, and the wonder of the immensity of the universe. Some of her favorite trips included the Greek islands and Tahiti. In her late years a drive around Lake Bluestem or the Osage Hills State Park continued to inspire her. Carol advocated and volunteered for many less fortunate or underrepresented. Her faith was of such a depth that she could ask the hard questions.
Survivors include Carol and Richard's four children Cathy Johnson (Ralph Montoya) of Independence, Dean Blake (Jeanette Myers) of Sedan, Diana Spencer (Mark) of Bixby and Kimberly Christeas (Kyriakos) of Athens, Greece.
Carol's brother Carlisle Dunshee, wife Maureen and family from Ft. Scott, KS
Carol's Sister-in-law Carol Bell and family from Nowata, OK
Carol was the vivacious spark of fun and love for grandchildren Jen, Lori, Chris, Jill, Amanda, Jeremiah, Jessica, Julia, Aristides, and Artemis. Carol was adored by fifteen great-grandchildren and a first great-great-grandchild.
Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Erwin Blake, mother Opal Thompson Dunshee, father Lyle Dunshee, and sister Beverly Dunshee Anderson. Mother-in-law and Father-in-law, Ruth and Millard Blake, Son-in-law Gary Johnson, nephew Mark Blades Anderson and great-granddaughter Taylor Marks.
Carols' dignity and privacy were protected as her dementia and cancer progressed. Her strength, patience, and sense of humor were evident as she met these challenges. By her request, Carol was cremated and her ashes will be sprinkled with Richard's near the home that she loved. The family is grateful to the multiple kindnesses and care Carol received during her last years.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday, December 1, 10:00AM, at the First United Methodist Church of Pawhuska.
Kendrick McCartney Johnson Funeral Home, Pawhuska.
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