Carroll Louise Overfelt

1937 - 2018

Surrounded by her family, Carroll Louise Overfelt (Shumate) of Independence, Mo., passed away Sunday, August 19, 2018, to join her loving husband of 62 years, and best friend, Thomas (Tom) D. Overfelt who passed in September 2017.

Carroll is survived by her children, Thomas F. Overfelt and wife, Sharon, Laura E. Harding and husband, David, David R. Overfelt and wife, Pam, and Carol Elizabeth Overfelt-Sours and husband, John; and 8 grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren; along with a large "adopted" family of friends.

Carroll was born August 19, 1937, in Carroll County, Mo., to parents, Robert Francis and Mary Louisa (Smith) Shumate. She was preceded in death by both parents, as well as sister, Kathrin States and brothers, Lawrence Shumate and Robert Shumate. Carroll is survived by her brother, Earl Shumate and wife, Linda, and sister, Mary Ann Clark.

Carroll and Tom both attended Northeast High School in Kansas City, Mo., meeting at the local movie theater where they both worked as teenagers. They were married June 12, 1955, and began their life together enjoying adventures at their farm on the banks of the Grand River in Laurie, Mo., before returning to the Kansas City area to raise their family. Together, they owned restaurants in the area – beginning a life-long tradition of hospitality for anyone who walked through their door. No one ever left hungry for food, laughter, good music, or love after a visit; often sending you off jokingly saying, "glad you got to see us!"

Carroll spent many years as a bookkeeper with TG&Y, then Nexxus Professional Beauty Products where she retired. She was meticulous with her books, but her true passions were spending time with family and friends, music, cooking and baking, and gardening. Carroll was known for growing thousands of beautiful flowers and plants. She took great joy in sharing "starts" to help others grow their gardens.

Carroll was a rock for her family, always there to listen and help you see the positives in life – finding things to be thankful for, even in tough times. She taught us that laughter really is the best medicine, family goes beyond blood, and that you should never pass a rose without stopping to appreciate the beauty and smell the sweet scent. Much like her magic touch in the garden, Carroll helped so many others grow, blossom, and bloom, showing us all how to appreciate and enjoy life to the fullest. She was a joyful, beautiful soul and timeless beauty who will be greatly missed.

The family is hosting a Celebration of Life service from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, at New Salem Royer Funeral Home, 1823 N. Blue Mills Road, Independence, MO 64058; 816-796-8600. Family and friends are invited to share stories and honor Carroll.