Carol Lea Trauer

Carol Lea Trauer, a loving, faith-filled woman, passed away on March 20, 2023, in Topeka Kansas, after a courageous battle with chronic heart failure, pulmonary failure, and a rare, aggressive leukemia. Born on June 28, 1945, in Great Bend Kansas, Carol spent her early life living on the farm near Hanston Kansas. She dedicated her life to her family, her profession, and her community.

Carol's early education began in a one-room schoolhouse in western Kansas, sometimes being taught by her older brothers, before attending high school in Hanston. She went on to earn her bachelor's degree in nursing at St. Rose's Hospital in Great Bend. Carol's nursing career spanned several decades and locations, including Topeka, where she assisted the injured in the 1966 tornado there, Lafayette Indiana, Hutchinson, Kansas, and Manhattan Kansas. Her dream job came after moving back to Topeka and began working for Dr. William (Bill) Roy, an OB-GYN. While there, Carol earned her nurse practitioner's license in OB-GYN, which she was very proud of.

After Dr. Roy's retirement, Carol played an instrumental role in setting up the mammography department at a local hospital. She eventually retired from Kaiser Permanente in Denver Colorado but returned to her beloved Kansas in Topeka to live.

Family was always at the center of Carol's life. She is survived by her daughter, Rose Evans (Bobby), granddaughters Kierstyn and Kamryn, whom she adored and was so proud of, sisters Melba Worford (Wayne), Joyce Moten (John), a brother Rex Trauer (Nancy Jo), along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Laurence and Opal Trauer, and two brothers, Duane Trauer (Chris) and Lloyd Trauer.

In addition to her devotion to family and career, Carol was an avid fan of the Kansas University Jayhawks, as well as the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. She enjoyed watching games and cheering on (loudly) her favorite teams. Carol's love for her community extended beyond her professional career. She was an actives member at the Countryside Methodist Church. In the 1980's and 1990's, she led a singles group there, helping to bring people together and create lasting friendships.

Carol's loving nature, strong faith, and courageous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. As we remember and celebrate her life, let us honor her legacy by continuing to care for one another and cherish the time spent with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family is following Carol's request donations be made in honor of Kamryn at Scottish Rite Children's Hospital in Dallas Texas or Cook Children's Hospital in Ft. Worth, Texas.