On November 29, 2023, we bid farewell to Carol Ann Renshaw, a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who passed away at the age of 83 in Independence, Missouri. Born on April 25, 1940, in Kansas City, MO, Carol’s life was a testament to love, joy, and dedication to her family and community. Her departure leaves behind a void that will be profoundly felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Following her graduation from Bishop Ward High School in 1958, Carol embarked on becoming a teacher. In 1962, she achieved this aspiration with pride, earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Missouri (UCM). It was during her time at UCM that she crossed paths with Gary Renshaw, who would become her husband. Carol initially pursued a career as a teacher before deciding to prioritize raising her four children. This marked the beginning of her dedicated journey as a stay-at-home mother.
Carol’s purest joy came from the unconditional love she poured into her family and home as well as her devotion to the Lord and her community. In 1978, Carol and Gary moved from Kansas City to Blue Springs where they built a loving home that was a place of comfort and hope to family and friends. She lovingly embraced her role as mother to Christine McHenry (Brent), Melanie Renshaw, Stephanie O’Sullivan (Doug Salva), and Mike Renshaw (Angie Williamson). The delight she found in being a grandmother extended to Heather McHenry, Jodi McHenry, Emily Brown (Drew), Sarah McHenry, Mason Renshaw, Sarah O’Sullivan, Liam O’Sullivan, Reid Renshaw, and Helena Renshaw. Her great-grandchildren, Bennett Brown and Blake Brown, brought an additional layer of joy to her life. Her cherished brother, Vernon Michalls, was a steadfast companion on her life’s journey, contributing to the enduring legacy she leaves behind.
Carol’s nurturing spirit radiated through the warmth of sleepovers with her grandchildren, including “I Love Lucy” marathons. Shared moments in the kitchen became a cherished tradition, blending homemade meals with the joy of arts and crafts and tea parties. Carol’s life was a vibrant tapestry woven with diverse interests. Her passion for cooking mirrored her love for sewing, decorating, and hosting memorable family gatherings. Holidays and birthdays were occasions she celebrated with enthusiasm. Carol also found therapy and expression in painting, sketching, collage, writing, and photography. Her green thumb transformed her garden into a haven adorned with perennials, daylilies, ivy, and wisteria. A collector of antiques, Carol curated captivating vignettes throughout her home.
In our grief, we find solace knowing that Carol is reunited with her beloved husband, Gary Douglas Renshaw, who preceded her in death, as well as her granddaughter, Sarah McHenry, father and mother, Vernon and Elizabeth Michalls, son-in-law, William O’Sullivan, and sister-in-law, Marilyn Michalls.
To honor Carol’s memory and celebrate a life well-lived, a visitation will be held from 1:00- 2:00 p.m.on December 4, 2023, at Meyers Funeral Chapel located at 1600 West Main, Blue Springs, MO 64015. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m., with a graveside interment after at Blue Springs Cemetery located at 2800 SW Walnut St in Blue Springs, Missouri. Charitable gifts in Carol’s memory may be made to the Academie Lafayette French Immersion School art program which four of her grandchildren attended and she volunteered, at 3421 Cherry St., Kansas City, MO 64109. Memories of Carol and words of comfort for her family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com
The departure of Carol Ann Renshaw leaves behind a tapestry of cherished memories. Her influence touched countless lives, imprinting an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her best – her beloved family and friends. Though her physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit persists, eternally residing in our hearts. As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, may her soul find eternal rest. Rest in peace, dear Carol, your legacy of light and warmth lives on.
Jeffrey Paul Caswell, 61, of Parkville, MO passed away suddenly at his home on November 24, 2023. He was born September 5, 1962 at St. Albans Naval Hospital in New York, the son of James Paul and Patricia Ann (Sullivan) Caswell.
