Age 85, of Inver Grove Heights, MN.
Born in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Passed away peacefully on March 20, 2017 after a long and courageous battle with multiple health issues. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Billy Joe, whom she missed dearly every day after his passing until they were reunited. She is also preceded in death by her parents, Rector Odell and Lillie Mae LaFon, brothers Charles and Norman LaFon, nephew Ronnie Cather and niece Cheree LaFon. Carol is survived by her daughter Carolyn (Neil) Dulas, sons Stanley (Deb), Randy (Deb) and Larry (Pam); sister Patricia (Bob) Cather, brother Jearl LaFon; grandchildren DeAnne (Patrick) Dulas, Dana Dulas Norsten, Andrew Draper, Alison Draper; great-grandchildren Mary, Katie, Broden, Danielle, Austin and Kamdon; and many nephews and niece. She is also survived by many friends and family whose lives she touched with kindness, laughter, friendship and love. Carol grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas. She married her sweetheart, Billy Joe, in 1948. In 1955, Carol and Billy Joe moved to Inver Grove Heights, MN, with the hope of creating a better life for their family. After Billy Joe retired, Carol and Billy Joe lived for a time in Waterville, MN, before returning to Inver Grove. Carol always put the needs of others before her own and was always there to lend a helping hand to friends and family in need. Carol was a loyal and tenacious friend, willing to stand up for others and not afraid to speak her mind. She had a fabulous sense of humor and enjoyed a good joke or funny story. Carol loved to cook and her kitchen was often the center of activity. She always had a pot of coffee and a delicious dessert on hand, ready to serve when someone stopped by for a visit. Carol loved sewing and crocheting, making dozens of beautiful quilts and blankets which she shared with others. Carol loved spending time with family, including her siblings, nieces, nephews, with whom she was very close and, for some, like a second mother. Carol’s grandchildren will always have the memories of time spent with her cooking, heartfelt hugs, playing cards, eating cheese and crackers and fun sleepovers staying up much later than they should. Carol loved animals, especially dogs, and had many dogs throughout her life who were very spoiled by her love and affection. Carol was the rock of her family, the foundation upon which so many were able to build their own successful and happy lives. No amount of gratitude can repay her for her strength and kindness which she so generously shared. Many thanks to the wonderful nurses, doctors and other care providers at St. Joseph’s hospital, especially Molly L., who worked tirelessly to care for Carol in her final days. It was Carol’s request to not have a formal service, however, a Celebration of Life will be held on May 13, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Room #1 at the Veteran’s Memorial Community Center located at 8055 Barbara Ave E. in Inver Grove Heights, MN. In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory may be made to the Animal Humane Society of Minnesota.