Carol Minden

Carol Jean Minden of Paola Kansas passed from this life on earth to eternal life to be with her Savior Jesus Christ on March 15th at the Olathe Medical Center. Carol was born August 9, 1930 in Fort Scott Kansas to James Edward "Dusty" Hood and Gladys Malinda Gump Hood. Carol grew up in Belltown where she made many friends and still kept in touch with them for as long as possible. She graduated from Fort Scott High School in 1948. She later graduated from Fort Scott Community College School of Cosmetology. She married Willie Wurtz in 1950 and to this marriage 5 children were born. She then married Norman Minden May 17, 1975. Carol resided in Pleasanton for many years then moved to Paola. While in Pleasanton she raised her family with a loving heart. She was an avid bowler and went to several state tournaments. She worked at the Henkle egg company and also as a local beautician. She would sew dresses for her daughter and granddaughters. She enjoyed ceramics and owned her own kiln. Carol was also a talented artist, painting several scenic oil paintings. She was a follower of the painter Bob Ross. She had a knack for drawing. She knitted, crocheted, tatted, embroidered and made many crafts. Hobby Lobby was one of her favorite places to shop. She had a green thumb and could grow anything indoors and outdoors. She collected angels and said "I can never have too many". Norman and Carol loved to travel and visited all 48 continental states, traveling to nearly every province in Canada and visiting The Bahamas twice. They visited the World Trade Center a few months before the tragic 9/11 event and took video of it, and visited Washington DC several times. There were many trips to Arizona to visit Carol"s oldest son Alan and family. Tunica Mississippi was also a frequent destination. She and Norman spent time at Lake Taneycomo, fishing and boating on their pontoon boat. Carol loved country music and was a huge fan of Marty Robbins. She was a member of his fan club when she was younger. She attended many of his shows with her family and friends. Norman and Carol would have breakfast with Marty and they were on a first name basis. In later years she succumbed to Alzheimer's disease and blindness and Marty's music would soothe her. Carol and her husband were CB radio enthusiasts and attended CB breaks. Her handle was "Calamity Jane". She also was a member of the Red Hatters Club and The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. Carol enjoyed attending Fort Scott High School Class of '48 reunions and meeting up with her former classmates. She remembered vividly the frequent floods of Belltown and how they dealt with it. During her early years in Paola she worked as a beautician at the local nursing home fixing the residents hair. During her career as a beautician this is what she liked best. She later became a resident of that same home. She had a special place for people with Down Syndrome in her heart, having a grandson with Down Syndrome and also a very good friend's son with Down Syndrome. Carol and Norman were longtime members of the First Lutheran Church in Paola, Kansas. In her later years when the pastor would visit and pray, it relaxed her. She loved all of her family very dearly and adored them all. Survivors include her husband of the home Norman. Four children, Alan Wurtz and wife Linda of Mesa, AZ; Jim Wurtz of Paola; Susan Willard of Ft. Scott and Scott Wurtz and wife Tammy of Collegeville, PA. Three stepsons, Stan Minden and wife Robbi of Granger, Indiana; Mark Minden and wife Diane of Paola, and Brad Minden and wife J'Laine of Omaha Nebraska. One brother Allen Hood and wife Irene of Fort Scott. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren,1 great great grandson, 7 step-grandchildren and 9 step great-grandchildren. Also several nieces and nephews. Surviving is her very special cousin Marian Haller of Fort Scott. She was preceded in death by her parents, her infant daughter Patricia Ann who was stillborn, whom she never saw or held.Now she holds her in her loving arms. Stepdaughter Linda Newton. A granddaughter Tara Willard and a grandson Hans Wurtz, 2 brothers Eddy Lee and George Hood. Donations: Alzheimer's Association, American Diabetes Association, First Lutheran Church. First Lutheran Church, 401 E. Piankishaw, Paola, KS. Service: Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 10:30 AM Visitation: Monday, March 18, 2013 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM