Carol Waters

Carol Elaine Waters, 79, of Stet died Sunday, March 31, 2024, at Life Care Center in Carrollton. Carol was born Jan. 11, 1945, in Rockingham, the daughter of Floyd “Sam” and Eula (Nicholson) Hawkins. She was united in marriage to Darryl Lewis “Jake” Waters of Stet on June 23, 1962. He preceded her in death on July 30, 2021.

Survivors include three sons, Jerry (Jonetta) Waters of Stet, Steve (Leslie) Waters of Kansas City and Paul (Kimberly) Waters of Paola, Kan.; and nine grandchildren, Jessica (Zach) Stith, Joshua (Erin) Waters, Danielle (Tyler) Roesing, Holly (James Doyle) Waters, Erik (Milea) Waters, Sydni (Troy Isenhour) Waters, Brooke (Daniel) Clark, Luke (Brittney Ramsey) Mathews and Hannah Mathews.

Other survivors include 15 great-grandchildren, Caleb Stith, Dillon Oyler, Finley Waters, Gentry Waters, Lillian Waters, Isla Waters, Tristan Roesing, Jacob Roesing, Haylee Doyle, Kye Doyle, Brystal Clark, Delaney Clark, Jaxton Mathews, Landon Mathews and Carsten Mathews; and four sisters, Joyce (Johnny) Coats of Stet, Debbie (Dave) Kline of Hardin, Karen (Rick) Hass of Parkville and Donna (Tom) Mertz of Gardner, Kan.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Dale Hawkins.

Carol was reared and educated around the area of her birth, and graduated with the class of 1962 from Stet High School.

In addition to raising her family and helping on the family farm, she worked outside of the home for several area banks. Her biggest passion was living the farm lifestyle and music. The Waters family is well-known in the area for their musical talents; and for Carol, it was being an accompanist for local schoolchildren in competition; providing piano lessons; playing for funerals, weddings and local celebrations; and as church pianist for years – not just at one church, but double duty at Bethany Church of the Brethren and Union Baptist Church.

“Music has always been a family affair.” When Mom and the boys all sang together, they were known as Jake Waters and the Drips. She also enjoyed quilting.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Bethany Church of the Brethren, Wakenda Cemetery or Stet Fire Department. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 5, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Visitation was scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Wakenda Cemetery north of Hardin. Please share your memories of Carol with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.