Dear Carol's family: I loved Carol so much. I'm so sorry for her passing and you have my heartfelt condolences. I met Carol before my Mom met her, as I would babysit for Pam when she was just a baby - we lived in the same apartment complex and I was in Junior High. Mom (Joanie)and Carol soon became very best friends and Carol was soon an extension of our family. They were both single Mom's working and making a life for us kids. She was so funny and fun to be around. Sometimes I would ride with her and Pam to Fort Leavenworth so she could go to the Commissary. She always made it such an adventure. I'd have to sit in the car because I couldn't go in but Carol was always so thoughtful and would bring out a surprise for me -- it might have been some new perfume she thought I would like, or makeup or something to wear. Carol came to my high school graduation and college graduation at KU. She was as proud of me as anyone as I walked down that hill in my cap and gown. She called me Ree, and that nickname stuck, and my brothers started calling me ReeRee. When I went to study abroad in Rome, Italy, Carol and Pam saw me off at the airport along with all of my family. After graduation I moved off to Chicago for many years, but when I'd come back to town for visits, I'd usually see her with Mom. One time she took me back to the airport, and she put a corned beef sandwich for me to have for the trip in my carry-on. (It was the day after St. Patrick's Day.) We laughed because it really smelled strong and people around me surely smelled it because I did! My Mom who passed away on November 4, and Carol had a wonderful friendship. While the last five years weren't that kind to my Mom in terms of her health, and the same for Carol, they'd usually talk on the phone at least weekly. And I'd visit for awhile with Carol on the phone as well. I'm so glad my Mom and Carol got to see each other sometime in October when Debbie got Mom out to go see Carol in the Sharon assisted care center. I couldn't go, and I'm so sorry now that I missed seeing her. She teased my Mom about moving in with her and being her roomie since there was an open bed. Please know that all of my family - Debbie, Jeff and myself loved Carol so much. So did my departed Grandma and my Uncles, and my dearly passed brother Tim. Mom loved her so much, through thick and thin, they always remained friends, never argued (except over who was the better cook)and always made sure life was fun for Pam and the four of us. She adored her grandchildren and I especially am saddened for Brandon and Bailey. She loved both of you so much! Carol was fun and funny, generous and caring, ornery but sweet. It's very telling to me that God chose to take both my Mom and Carol within 3 months of one another. While we are still grieving for my Mom's passing, I know that they are together now having lots of laughs and fun in heaven. She was a treasure and a light in our lives, and I will never forget her. Much love to the Huckaby family who I've had the pleasure of meeting on many occassions at picnics and birthday parties. Sincerely, Sheree (Ree)