Carol R. Criswell

Carol R. Criswell, 88, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Thursday, September 5, 2024. She was born January 5, 1936 to Morse and Pearl (Bublitz) Ridgeway in Grand Rapids, MN. 

Carol was raised in the beautiful state of Northern MN where she graduated from high school and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education. She taught art classes at the junior/senior high school level before moving to Pennsylvania upon the marriage to Bob Copeland (Jodie's father). While in PA, Carol worked as a theatre scene designer, technical director, and instructor in the art department at Clarion State College. Carol eventually moved back to her roots and worked in fashion display and as a bookkeeper in Minneapolis, later moving to Missoula, MT where she was employed as a bookkeeper for her brother's business. 

Carol was an avid woodswoman and enjoyed time fishing and hunting whenever she could find the spare time. She loved nature! She spoke of many cherished memories of the hunting cabin that she and her family shared. Carol continued to create art using different mediums throughout her adult life. Upon retirement, Carol moved to Wichita, KS to be near her daughter Jodie and grandson Caleb, whom she enjoyed spending time with. During this time, she developed a small business called "Mostly Weeds" in which she would create paintings made from dried flowers, weeds, and watercolors. Carol continued this passion well into her eighties.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Bob H. Copeland and later, Robert Criswell; and brother, Jimmy Ridgeway. Carol is survived by her daughter, Jodie (Rick Baker) Copeland-Baker, grandson, Caleb (Katherine) Baker; and brother, Clark (Sandy) Ridgeway.

Memorial Service: 10 am, Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Reflection Pointe Funeral & Cremation Services, 3201 S. Webb Rd., Wichita, KS 67210.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Villa Maria Activities Department, 116 S. Central Ave., Mulvane, KS 67110.