Carole Annette Rainwater-Farthing passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on September 15, 2026.

She was born to Golda and Leonard Rainwater in Tahlequah, Oklahoma on November 3, 1942. Carole grew up in Tahlequah terrorizing the neighborhood with her sister and running around granny’s farm with all of the cousins. After graduating from Tahlequah High School she attended Northeastern State University where she met the love of her life, Don Farthing. They married on December 24, 1961.

After Don graduated they moved to Baldwin City, Kansas where she graduated from Baker University in 1964. After her graduation they moved to Emporia, Kansas where she taught middle school science while Don studied for his master’s degree. They then moved to Ulysses, Kansas where she began her teaching career as a math teacher. Carole taught middle school math until her retirement from Independence USD 446 in 1999. Following her retirement she remained active in the community as a member of PEO, Neewollah Ticket Queen and musical Costume Committee, USD 446 School Board, USD 446 Educational Foundation, Independence Diversity Task Force and Mercy Hospital Board,

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Donald B. Farthing, Jr., sister, Jeannie (Harold) Thompson of Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Two daughters, Lynn (Chris) Reddy of Independence and Amy (David) Chesser of Wichita; grandchildren Lisa (Jacob) Stockton, Carrie Wheeler, Nick (Courtney) Reddy, Elizabeth (Daniel) Askew, Emily (RJ) Bradley and Adam Chesser along with 9 great grandchildren. She also leaves behind her canine comforter Charlie. She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant sister, Jeannette.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 10 am at the First United Methodist Church, Independence, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the USD 446 Educational Foundation. Donations may be left at Webb & Rodrick Chapel, Independence, Kansas.