Carol Ann West Gratton, a long time Kansas City, KS resident, passed away January 5, 2015 at Sweet Life in Shawnee, KS surrounded by her loving family.

Carol was born May 9, 1935 in Kansas City, KS to the late William S. and Garoldine B. (née Glassford) West. Being raised in the Quindaro area of Kansas City gave her a heart filled with fond childhood memories. She would often smile as she recalled walking with girlfriends to the corner market and days spent shopping with her parents on Minnesota Avenue. During this time, Carol’s deep and abiding love for animals developed. She was never found far from her dog Sarge or horse Little Britches.

Carol married Robert James Lovell, and while Robert was stationed in the United States Army, they resided in San Francisco. Following Robert’s discharge, the couple returned to Kansas City and had three children: Robert Steven, Laura Ann, and Lisa Carol Lovell. Although Carol and Robert separated while their children were still young, she filled the role of both mother and father superbly.

As a young adult, Carol attended business school and worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Because of her secretarial skills and training, she was able to provide her children with a warm, loving, and fun filled childhood. Their summers were spent adventuring together at the Lake of the Ozarks; and thanks to Bob and Dottie Lovell, this became a tradition her grandchildren also enjoyed.

After raising her three children, Carol purchased a farmstead in the Turner area of Kansas City and founded “Circle C” Ranch. It is here that she fulfilled her dream of operating a stable complete with barns, arenas, community areas, and riding trails. The facility remains a functioning stable to the present day.

A hardworking and joyful person by nature, Carol spent many hours in the hot sun mowing her pastures, repairing downed fence lines, and caring for dozens of horses. In the winter, she made sure that no horse went hungry and no critter unfed. She was often teased for having “fat barn cats.” Carol’s love for animals knew no bounds. Her loyal dachshund, Jodie, and later, her loving dogs, Lamar and Woofie, frequently accompanied her to the barn.

Over the years, Carol’s family grew to include seven grandchildren, all of whom share wonderful memories of having grown-up on “the farm” surrounded by adventure, nature, and the inspiration they proudly called Grandma. Always on the go, Carol was quick to provide a hearty laugh, a beautiful smile, plentiful tractor rides, and riding lessons to each of her grandchildren and their friends from the neighborhood.

Carol’s devotion to the importance of family made Christmas and Easter an especially important time of year for her. She enjoyed cooking huge dinners and always ensured her grandchildren had something fun to do together. Not any of them will forget how over the years she bought them all a pony for Easter, hid hundreds of eggs around the property, or rode on her ranch’s float in the local parade.

Carol is preceded in death by her parents and brother William G. West.

She is survived by her children and their spouses: Robert and Dorothy Lovell, Laura and Stanley George, and Lisa and Bob Hager. She leaves seven grandchildren and their spouses: Robert and Amy Lovell, Ryan Lovell, Amanda and Marcus Miller, David Reno, Charles Reno, Scott Hager, Jessica Hager; and two great grandchildren, Camden Miller, and his soon to be born sibling. She is survived by her Sister-In-law, Sally West, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Sweet Life at Rosehill for several years of dedicated, compassionate care, and to KC Hospice for their expert care during her transition to everlasting life. We would also like to extend our profound thanks and gratitude to Mike Warren and Frank Dillon for providing a loving home for her little guy Woofie, and for being exceptional friends to Mom.

Services

Carol’s family will receive family and friends at Amos Family Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Drive Shawnee, KS, Saturday January 10, 2015 from 12-2:00 pm. A service will be at the funeral home at 2:00, with burial following at Memorial Park Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas.

Memorial Contributions

The family suggests contributions in lieu of flowers to to the Great Plains SPCA 9800 W. 67th Street Merriam, Kansas 66203.