Carol Mechnig

Carol was born on March 22, 1938, in rural Anderson County, Kansas. She was the second of three children born to Carl and Mae (Hubbard) Wells and would spend the majority of her life in the Westphalia area. In Carol's early years, the Wells family made their living farming until they moved to Westphalia, where her parents would eventually purchase what became Wells Grocery. Carol graduated with the Westphalia High School class of 1956. While in high school, she participated in student government, Pep Club, basketball, and other organizations and activities.

Bill Mechnig was also a member of the Class of 1956, and they married after graduation. Bill and Carol made their home on his family farm west of Westphalia in the Aliceville area. They had three children: Jim, Cindy, and Rick. They would later divorce.

In the mid-1960s, Carol took her young family and moved to Wichita, where she worked in a grocery store. After many trips over the next three years to visit her parents in Westphalia, Carol made what she considered the best decision for her children and moved back home. It was then that she began an almost fifty-year career working in banks, first for the State Bank of Westphalia and then the Kansas State Bank, which would become Patriots Bank. Carol enjoyed the daily interaction with customers and the relationships she developed with many different coworkers over the years. With the help of her parents, Carol flourished in the role of a single parent and supported her children through life's ups and downs, including many ball games, plays, and concerts. When grandchildren came along, she was there for them through much of the same.

Carol loved to read, with mysteries being her favorites. She was a self-described game show nut and tried to never miss Jeopardy! in her retirement years. Carol was a fan of whatever team her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were on. She was a supporter of the Jayhawks and Chiefs and always wanted to be reminded of what time and channel they played on. She actively followed politics and would read newspapers front to back, usually several times. Carol liked to raise flowers and always seemed to have a favorite cat.

Carol battled many different health problems in the final quarter of her life, each time fighting back to be with her family until finally, she could no longer win the fight. Carol attended the Methodist Church in Westphalia until it closed and maintained a relationship with the Lord in her own personal way until, as she said, she "was ready to go to Heaven." Carol passed away on July 2, 2025, surrounded by her children.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Carl "Gene" Wells and his wife Dorothy, sister Doris Ann, and grandson Travis Beyer. She will rejoice in rejoining them and the many friends and family who have passed on before her.

Carol is survived by her three children: son, Jim and Rita Mechnig of Westphalia, daughter, Cindy and Richard Beyer of Gridley, and son Rick and Peg Mechnig of Garnett. She is also survived by her six grandchildren Dustin Mechnig and Jennifer Glendening, Emily and Dustin Brooks, Drew Mechnig, Krystal and Chris Skiles, Tori and David Ball, and Will Mechnig. She is survived by eight great-grandchildren. Carol is also survived by Clayton and Becky Wells, Mike and Erin Wells, Jane Waggoner, and many other family members and friends. Carol was a lady of great strength, wisdom, and compassion; she will be missed by many.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Colony Cemetery, Colony, Kansas. Carol's family will greet friends from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM prior to the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Westphalia Lions Club and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.