Carol Jean Dowell

Carol Jean (Bender)Dowell passed away on May 3, 2024, in Yuma, Colorado, at the age of 81. She was born on April 10, 1943, in Colorado Springs, CO, to John and Irene Bender. She was the oldest of three siblings and often told stories of her and Uncle Butch (Gary) picking on Aunt Donna.

She was a graduate of Rocky Ford High School and Otero Junior College. On June 10, 1962, Carol married Jack Dowell and to this union 3 three children, Dan, Chery and Greg were born.  Carol and Jack would have celebrated their sixty second wedding anniversary next month.

Carol had a fulfilling career that included working at Bank of Colorado, Campbell Insurance Agency, Lone Star School, AgriChem, and Western Pork as well as bookkeeping for many individuals in town. She was a dedicated member of the United Methodist Church for over 50 years and was a current member and Deacon of the First Presbyterian Church.

In her free time, Carol enjoyed spinning, weaving, sewing, knitting, crocheting, reading, and other fiber arts. There wasn’t anything she couldn't create, often making her own patterns for her projects. She was a member of High Plains Spinners and Weavers, Tanda Women's Club, Yuma Lioness Club, and held a variety of positions in the Methodist Church. She currently is a Deacon at the Presbyterian Church.

Carol enjoyed spending time with Ron and Rich at the Orphanage and giving demonstrations at Old Threshers. Last summer Carol was blessed to be able to go on a mission trip with other members of her new church to Taos New Mexico. She made and donated many banners to area churches to celebrate the seasons of the church.

Jack and Carol’s home was always open to people needing a bed to sleep in, a meal to eat or an activity to do. She was our biggest cheerleader and supported whatever ideas we came up with, although rather reluctantly at times.

Carol is survived by her loving husband Jack, children Dan (Judy), Chery (Adam), Greg (Cecilia), grandchildren Dani (Joe), Andi (Trey), Niki (Brett), Kaci (Clay), Sara (Jared), Taner (Page), Jess, Dillon (Elizabeth), great-grandchildren Whit, Decker, AJ, Scottie, Conner, Emma, Stetson, and Blair. Her brother Gary (Carolyn)Bender, and sister Donna Lusk, Brothers in law Bill (Janiece), George (Paula) sister-in-law Shirley (Tom) as well as many nieces and nephews and other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Irene Bender, Cleo and Lucille Dowell, brothers-in-law Kent Lusk, Joe Dowell, sister-in-law Susie Dowell, and great-grandson Jameson Porter.

A memorial service will be held on May 9, 2024, at 10 am at First Presbyterian Church in Yuma, Colorado.

Memorials can be made to The Orphanage or Old Threshers.

Baucke Funeral Home in Yuma, Colorado, is assisting with the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.