Carol J. Manchester

Carol Jean Evans was born on January 16, 1950, in Mullen, Nebraska, to Norval and Ida (Van Deusen) Evans and departed this life on June 22, 2015, at Saunders House in Wahoo, Nebraska. She grew up on the family ranch near Mullen, attending Mullen Public Schools and Chadron State College. Carol's father died when she was four years old, so she grew up in a household where everyone had to help out. This may have contributed to her independent spirit and her desire to be self-sufficient. Carol loved horses and life on the ranch. She was a good ranch hand and spent many summers in the hayfield or helping with brandings or moving cattle. She was active in Girl Scouts, 4-H and Methodist Youth Fellowship. As an adult she was an active member of Winifred Chapter Order of Eastern Star, where she served in positions up to and including Worthy Matron. On January 16, 1972, at the Methodist Church in Chadron, Nebraska, she was united in marriage to Lawrence Lee Manchester. Carol and Lance lived in Barstow, California, and on some Sandhill ranches (Big Creek Ranch and Monahan Cattle Company) in Nebraska. The couple later divorced. Following the example set by her mother, Carol began work as a 'caregiver' at Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home in Mullen while she was in high school. She became a Certified Nursing Assistant and continued that work throughout her life in nursing homes and hospitals in Mullen, Ft. Morgan, Colorado, and Wahoo, Nebraska. Carol had a great deal of compassion for her patients, and she would cut up and joke with them and champion their needs. Carol loved to read and passed this passion on to her three daughters, Christina, Andrea and Carla. She also enjoyed crocheting and for many years at Christmas time gave each member of her extended family colorful potholders she'd made. Family was important to Carol, and she seldom missed a family gathering. Grandson Simon illuminated her life, and she could always relate his latest quip or antic. She also enjoyed the kids in the neighborhood and really listened to and took a personal interest in them. She loved animals and was especially fond of cats. She had at least two as part of her household for many years. She was pleased that her most recent companions, Shadow and Sophie, had found a good home with her daughter and son-in-law, Chris and Scott Koskey. Carol was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her daughters, Christina (Scott) Koskey of Omaha, Andrea Manchester of Waverly, NE, and Carla (Christopher) Palo of Omaha; one grandson, Simon Palo; her brother Russell (Lanita) Evans of North Platte, NE; sister, Doris Milldyke of Manhattan, KS, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and a multitude of friends. Burial will take place in Mullen following a private service. In lieu of flowers, or as a memorial, please consider donating to the Saunders County Lost Pets (SCLP) Pet Rescue.