Carol was born April 30, 1930, in Emporia, to Ferdinand “F.A.” and Ann (Whitaker) Smethers. She lived in several Kansas communities, however most of her growing up years were in Eureka, where her dad was co-owner of an auto dealership.

Carol graduated from Eureka High School with the class of 1948. She continued her education at Emporia State Teachers College, graduating with a BA in 1952 and at Eastern Carolina College, Greenville, N.C. in 1961 with a master’s degree in business and finance.

In 1953, Carol was united in marriage to William “Bill” Hart. Early in their marriage, Bill served in the United States Army which took them to Germany. Carol often spoke of their adventures there. In their working or career years, they lived in North Carolina, Florida, Mississippi and Tennessee before retiring to her hometown of Eureka. Carol was a college professor teaching Business and Finance at North Carolina, the University of Florida and Ole Miss.

In retirement, Carol and Bill were devoted to her hometown of Eureka, quickly immersing themselves in activities to support the town. Carol was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Eureka Country Club. She was quite interested in the preservation of historical sites in Eureka. She was active in PEO, college sorority and other organizations. Other interests of Carol’s were antiques, western-themed activities and playing cards. She was a lover of animals, “fostering” many feral cats over the years.

Carol is survived by her brother-in-law, Sam and wife, Pat Hart; nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill in 2020 and her parents.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 29, at the First United Methodist Church in Eureka with Pastor Linda Pope officiating. Private family inurnment will take place immediately following services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Eureka First United Methodist Church. Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, PO Box 575, Eureka, KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online, at koupfunerals.com.