SCRANTON, Kan. – Carol Joyce Laubach, 77, of Scranton, Kan., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. She was born Aug. 15, 1944, in Topeka, Kan., the daughter of Charles Arthur Gainer and Arbutus Beulah-Mae (Hall) Gainer.
Carol grew up in the Topeka area, attending Topeka High School. She later attended Washburn University, majoring in English literature.
On April 10, 1961, Carol was united in marriage to Bob Laubach, in Blackwell, Okla. They celebrated their 60th year of love and devotion together this past April.
Carol was a claims processor for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas, from 1974 to 1978. She then served as office manager for Laubach Truck Sales, her husband’s truck sales and salvage company, retiring in 2003.
Carol was an extraordinary woman, and anyone who was blessed to know her was well aware of her intellect and talent. She was a dedicated reader, reading books of all sorts and genres throughout her life. Most loved by her was Shakespeare in the Old English Form. Her reading throughout her life included numerous cookbooks, many of which were first edition classics that she collected over the years. This plethora of knowledge in cooking allowed for her talent in culinary arts to blossom over the years into a mother and wife who always amazed when she prepared a meal, typically without formal measurements or recipes.
Carol was also a gifted gardener. She had various flowers, from beautiful rose bushes to her glorious peonies; she always had a gorgeous display of flowers to work with in her yard.
She was also a lover of pets. Bob and Carol had several dogs over the years. Early in life they had several boxers, but in later years they adopted and adored spunky terriers. Most of the dogs they rescued from shelters, creating a loving bond that was obvious to anyone who saw them with their pets.
Carol’s prized possessions were her various collectible teddy bears that Bob lovingly gifted her. All of them unique, and most of them made of fur; they all held a special place in her heart. Her daughter made sure to bring small fur bears from her travels to add to her beloved mother’s collection.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Lorenz Laubach, Scranton; daughter, Lori Laubach and her spouse, John B. Webber, III, Selma, N.C.; son, Tim Laubach, and his partner, Rachele, Scranton; granddaughter, Mindy Marie Laubach, Fort Scott, Kan.; and two sisters, Patsy Heptig, Lawrence, Kan., and Charlotte O’Brien and her husband, Don, Topeka.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Linda Sue Halford.
A celebration of Carol’s life will be 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, at Scranton Community Center, Scranton.
Memorial contributions can be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, and sent in care of Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, PO Box 194, Burlingame, KS 66413. Condolences can be left at www.lamb-roberts.com.
