SUMNER — Carol Janice Kent, 86, of Sumner, whose steady presence behind the wheel of a school bus, remarkable sewing skills and devotion to family made her a familiar and valued member of her community, passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at her home.
In accordance with Carol’s wishes, no formal funeral or memorial services will be held. Family members and friends may share memories and offer condolences through Becker & Son Funeral Homes in Sumner.
Carol was born January 19, 1940, in Sumner, Iowa, the daughter of Otto and Edna (Hoppenworth) Westendorf. Her roots in the community began early, and she would spend much of her life contributing to the town where she grew up.
She was baptized February 12, 1940, and confirmed January 4, 1953, at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner, where she remained a lifelong member.
Carol attended Sumner schools and graduated from Sumner High School in 1958.
On September 1 of that year, she married Walter “Wally” Kent Jr. at the Little Brown Church in the Vale near Nashua. Together, they welcomed two children, Tamara and Jeffrey, and built a life centered on family, work and shared adventures.
Carol began her working career as a nurse’s aide at Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner, spending several years helping care for patients before beginning what would become one of her most recognizable roles in the community.
For 32 years, Carol drove a school bus for the Sumner Community School District.
Throughout those decades, she became a dependable part of the daily routines of countless students and their families. Her work required patience, responsibility and a commitment to safely transporting children to and from school.
Her years behind the wheel represented more than three decades of service to local education and the families who relied on her.
But driving a school bus was only one of Carol’s many talents.
For more than 60 years, she was also a skilled seamstress, becoming well known throughout the Sumner area for her careful alterations and attention to detail.
Community members trusted her to repair, adjust and improve clothing, knowing she approached every project with care.
Her sewing became another way she could help others, combining practical ability with a desire to do things properly.
Over the years, those skills touched the lives of many people who sought her assistance.
Carol’s commitment to her community extended beyond her professional work.
She remained active at St. John Lutheran Church and was a longtime, dedicated member of the Sumner American Legion Auxiliary.
Her involvement reflected a willingness to contribute her time and energy to organizations that were meaningful to her.
Away from work and community activities, Carol enjoyed the outdoors, particularly fishing.
She appreciated the peaceful moments that came with spending time near the water and the simple enjoyment of a day outside.
She also shared a love of motorcycle riding with her husband, Wally.
Together, the couple traveled throughout the United States on their motorcycle, exploring new places and making memories along the way.
Those journeys became some of their most treasured experiences, offering opportunities for adventure and companionship.
Carol also enjoyed golfing, another activity that allowed her to spend time outdoors and enjoy the company of others.
Yet no activity or pastime meant more to her than being with her family.
Carol especially loved attending the activities and important occasions of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Whether supporting a family member at an event or simply spending time together, she found happiness in being involved in their lives.
Her family remained at the heart of her world throughout the years.
Carol shared nearly 47 years of marriage with Wally before his death on August 25, 2005.
The years they spent together included raising their children, building friendships, working in their community and traveling across the country.
Carol is survived by her daughter, Tammy (Jeff) Krueger of Amherst, Wisconsin, and her son, Jeff (Terri) Kent of Rhinelander, Wisconsin.
She also leaves behind her grandsons, Blake Teeling of Sumner and Wade (Carly) Krueger of Neenah, Wisconsin.
Her five great-grandchildren are Jamie Teeling, Harley Teeling, Avery Teeling, Dan Krueger and Ruth Krueger.
Additional surviving family members include her step-grandchildren, Joshua (Ashley) Dippel and Kristi (Garner) Gerson, and her step-great-grandchildren, Nahla Dippel, Corrine Dippel, Greyson Gerson, Gentry Gerson and Greenli Gerson.
Carol is also survived by her sister, Connie Barrett of Fort Collins, Colorado, and her sister-in-law, Eileen Paulus of Maynard.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Wally; her parents, Otto and Edna Westendorf; her parents-in-law, Doris and Walter Kent Sr.; her sister, Ruby (Mark) Segebarth; and her brother-in-law, Richard Kent.
For those who knew Carol, her life will be recalled through the many ways she served others.
Some will remember her as the dependable school bus driver who spent 32 years caring for the safety of local children.
Others will remember the talented seamstress who could be trusted with a difficult alteration, or the familiar face involved in church and American Legion Auxiliary activities.
Her family will remember the fishing trips, motorcycle adventures, shared celebrations and the love she showed by being present for the moments that mattered.
Carol’s legacy is one of quiet dedication, practical kindness and lasting commitment to the people and community she loved.
Condolences and personal remembrances may be shared through Becker & Son Funeral Homes’ obituary for Carol Janice Kent.
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