Carol was born on December 20, 1958, to Mearl and Viola, (Koch – Gerdes) Landers, whom both preceded her in death.

Carol had six siblings, Victor Landers, Marilyn /Orville Sneeringer of Bunker Hill, Stella Goebel and partner Lloyd Maxwell of Liberty, TX, Judy/Jack Hochmuth of Staunton, Beverly/Mark Bennett of Benld, and Larry Landers of Benld; six nieces and nephews, David/Yoconda Goebel, Casey/Lacey Goebel, Janean/Zane Northrip, Justin Hochmuth, Chad/Krystal Hanks Bennett, and Benisha/Sadatoshi Abe; and multiples nieces, nephews, step nieces and step nephews.  

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Victor Landers; sister, Judy Hochmuth, whom was a Shrine Hospital recipient; great nephew, Tsubasa Abe; and step nephew, Orville Jr Sneeringer.  

People don’t write their own obituary or do they? Obituaries are written through the hearts of those that were touched.  The actions that were taken in that person’s life, their choices, their accomplishments, that’s what we write.  

Carol Sue, she was our families “Heartbreaking Blessing.” See, our mother contracted German Measles in her first trimester, which left Carol non verbal, and with the mental and physical capabilities of less than an 8 month old.  Doctors informed our parents, Carol wouldn’t live beyond 13.  Well, she proved them wrong.  Even despite her long life, many would feel Carol had no accomplishments.  I am here to tell you those accomplishments through, her family’s eyes, through my eyes.  Because it was Carol who taught me the most about life.  

Her lessons lasted me a lifetime of benefits that has helped me in my best of times and worst.  She taught me listening skills that go beyond just words, compassion, fostered in me a love of caring for others, and taught me how kindness doesn’t cost one red cent.  The knowledge of how blessed we are to have a voice, arms and legs that functioned correctly, things we often take for granite.  Through her I learned to love and respect others no matter how they looked.  She wasn’t a teacher without a degree, but no teacher could offer these type lessons that only Carol could.  

The nurses who tended to Carol called her their little sweetheart.  When the sun was on her face, she would smile at the warmth, waving her hand awkwardly in front of her face, the movements giving her peace.  Those of us blessed with a normal life don’t take into consideration all the little things.  Hoping someone is going to help you walk by holding your hand, give you assistance to help get a piece of food toward your mouth.  Such simple but necessary things.  Those of us blessed with a normal life often miss these lessons that have shaped me.  Kids and adults ignored her as not to stare, some even made rude comments about her.  But she continued to be herself, she had no choice.  As we are all aware God wants us to forgive those who do wrong, God gave her a built in act of automatic forgiveness.  

Fear, being uncomfortable, not knowing how to act around the disabled, causes so many to look away.  I wish they could have seen her how I saw her.  I wish they would have looked long enough to allow Carol to spark the same type of understanding, love, and compassion it sparked in me.  So that you might not miss the opportunity to learn such an important lesson, next time you feel the need to look away try to look again with a desire to understand, to see something, yes uncomfortable, but beautiful in it’s own special way!  Look again with kindness and a smile in your heart to make space for a heartbreaking blessing.  

Request no flowers, as a graveside service is for immediate family members.

Any donations are requested to Onita Place Care Center in Virginia, IL or Shriners Hospital.

Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.