Sue "Carrol" (Wilson) Stockton

Sue "Carrol" (Wilson) Stockton, of Ottawa, Kan., embarked upon her final journey Jan. 20, 2016, surrounded by family. Her laughter and joyful love for her family and friends will be missed by all who were blessed to know her. Affectionately known as "Grandma Shorty" by her beloved grandchildren, Carrol's heart was anything but small. She delighted in spending time with her large, close-knit family, and despite some physical limitations in recent years, Carrol actively attended family and school events, traveled tirelessly, regularly attended concerts and extracted great joy from her 72-year mission here. It was a life well lived. It was a story of enduring love.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 54 years, Larry Stockton. He was her lifelong dance partner, travel companion and best friend. It was a story of unmeasured success. Carrol measured her success in terms of her family and friends, and she basked in the glory of those riches. The joy and memories she shared with family and friends are treasures more valuable than gold. She distinctly understood this.

She is also survived by her three sons, Glenn and his wife, Tamela, of Gardner, Kan., Rob of Topeka, Kan., and Eric of Ottawa, Kan.; 11 grandchildren, Derrick, Sophia, Alex, Kalen, Trisha, Tori, Emma, Zach, Sloan, Madison and Alyssa; one great grandchild, Avril; and another great grandchild soon expected, Annette. She is preceded in death by her parents, James Dewey Wilson and Georgia Allen Riner.

Carrol found joy in serving others. She dedicated much of her life to working with elderly and children. She also moonlighted as a voluntary food critic, offering unsolicited advice on the temperature and quality of restaurant food. Carrol was always proud of her Kentucky roots and California upbringing, but called Kansas her home for the past 39 years. A memorial service celebrating her life and legacy will be scheduled at a later date. Condolences may be emailed to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.