Carol F ShannonHutchinson, KS

Carol F. Shannon, 86, of Hutchinson, died January 16, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones at Prairie Sunset Home, Pretty Prairie. She was born September 18, 1938, in Ellsworth, KS, to Ralph and Mildred (Vodraska) Vopat.

Carol graduated from Ellsworth High School with the class of 1956. She earned her bachelors 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, James Leland Shannon, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Ellsworth, where she was a lifelong member. They shared nearly 38 beautiful years of marriage before his death on February 5, 2000.

Carol is survived by: son, James Leland Shannon II and wife Karen of Hutchinson; daughter, Donna Richards of Pretty Prairie; grandchildren, Garieth Shannon of Hutchinson, Rachel A. Shannon and husband Alexander Ratzlaff of Hutchinson, Selena Wapelhorst of Wichita; 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, infant brother, William Vopat; several nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law.

Memorial service will be at 11a.m. Thursday, January 23, 2025 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 911 N. Kansas Ave, Ellsworth, KS, with Father 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, Hutchinson, KS, 67501.