Carole Ruth Converse, 78, passed away May 25, 2026, at her home in Great Bend, Kan. She was born on Dec. 11, 1947, in Great Bend, to Glenn and Esther (Koch) Converse.

A lifetime resident of Larned coming to Great Bend 15 years ago, Carole was active with managing the family wheat farm in southwest Kansas. She devoted her life to being a care giver, first with both parents, then other relatives and friends. She graduated from Fort Hays State University with two master’s degrees, but continued her love of learning throughout her life. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Larned and member of United Presbyterian Women. She was a member of the auxiliary Civil Air Patrol and flew several flights around the country on a C-130 aircraft. She was a member of the Great Bend Etudian Club, the order of the Eastern Star in Hoisington and active in the Women’s League of Voting in Great Bend. She visited a distant cousin in Pennsylvania and joined the Daughter’s of Union Soldiers of the Civil War. She liked to exercise and was a member of Club 1 Fitness and took chair yoga and Tai chi classes. An annual trip with college friends was always a highlight.

She loved to travel. With a friend of hers, they traveled to Europe several times. Her friend had cousins in Germany. They travelled Europe in a V.W. van the friend stored there. The same two went to Playa del Carmen several times for a month’s stay.

Carole organized the Converse Thanksgiving dinner for the last 25 years or so. The family met in a fellowship hall of various churches. Some dinners had around 70 people. In 2022, the family celebrated their 100th continuous dinner.

Survivors include brother, Arlyn Converse and his wife Debbie of Leawood, Kan.; niece, Kathrine Converse and grandniece Anna Converse of Lenexa, Kan.; nephew, Andrew Converse of Leawood, Kan.; and numerous cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents.

Graveside service will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Larned Cemetery, with Father Mark Cowell presiding. Visitation will be from noon to 8 p.m., Tuesday, June 2, 2026, with family receiving guests from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been designated to the First Presbyterian Church of Larned or Pawnee County Humane Society, Inc., in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 30, 2026