Carol's strength was in the Lord, she lived for the Lord, and as she wrote about her own life in 2018: "Every day that I can rise up from bed, draw breath and walk is a gift beyond measure. I pray that my experiences and trials, and the victories the LORD has given me in my circumstances can be used as a fragrant offering of hope and love for someone along my path every day." As it feels she has left us before any of us were ready, I hope you remember her "fragrant life" and can smile through your grief knowing her strife is no more, and she is dancing with the angels today.

We are so thankful for your photos and memories you contribute here so we can grieve and celebrate and remember together.

WHEN TIME HAS COME

Man has the choice while living on earth
To die to old ways and experience rebirth.

Rebirth in the image of Christ Jesus the Son,
Who bought sins' forgiveness -- that God's will be done.

And for those who choose death in order to live,
God promised His glory -- life eternal He'd give.

Life after death -- the angels proclaim,
Is eternally ours when dependence we claim.

Dependence gives vision to that which we seek --
To journey through trials, through valleys to peaks.

So in death do not grieve but rather smile,
Life's end here on earth is but our grandest mile.

For when time has come for man to pass
From life here on earth -- what joy, alas!


-CM Keffer
11/11/1991

OBITUARY (edited 1/26/21):

Carol Sue Matzkanin Keffer went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Dec. 30th, 2020, at the age of 73 in a hospital in Kyle, TX. She unexpectedly passed away during surgery following an automobile accident. Her daughter, Gena, was able to be with her for several hours before she passed.

Born in KC, MO to Ted and Jane Matzkanin in 1947, she graduated from Baker University in 1969, and lived in Overland Park & Olathe, KS where she worked as a Research Biologist/Scientist at Bayer CropScience for 34 years. Carol retired in 2008 to Louisburg, KS to live on her grandfather’s farm. There, she was an active church member at First Christian Church, a board member of the Lion’s Club, and she loved being a “farm girl.” Many will remember her and her gardens, hugs and fishing.

In 2015, Carol went to live in Grand Junction, CO where she was an active church member at Fellowship Church of Grand Junction, part of Habitat for Humanity, and volunteered at the local hospital. She loved hiking, collecting rocks, gardening, and took up quilting.

Carol moved to Kyle, TX in 2018 to be closer to family. Carol was an active church member at Fellowship Church at Plum Creek, enjoyed walking and hiking, and again, gardening.

Survivors include daughter, Gena Keffer of Buda, TX, step-son, Sage Keffer of Nashville, TN, soul-daughter, Brandy Abington of Overland Park, KS, ex-husband Gary Keffer of Stilwell, KS, brothers Randy Matzkanin of Reno, NV and Gary Matzkanin of Grand Junction, CO, Son-in-Law(love) Shannon McGill in Buda, TX and 2 grandchildren. She is also survived by a plethora of amazing friends.