Died Friday, January 13, 2023 at Parkview Home in Dodge, NE.
Carol was born to Arthur and Bertha Zeller on May 11, 1943 in Rapid City, SD. Carol Ann had 3 older sisters, Lois, Phyllis, LaVonne and 1 brother, Norman. She lived most of her life in Rapid City, SD where she was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church. She loved going to Bible Studies, Women's Retreats, participated on the Praise Team, and was an active member of LWML.
Her three children, James, Carol Sue, and Jennifer all attended Zion Lutheran School. She wanted to be
sure that her children knew that church would always be an important part of their lives, as it was to
her. She was a loving mother, a fun Grandma, and loved little ones. When she became a Grandma, she
spent as much time as possible with them; taking them to the park for picnics or to feed the ducks at
Canyon Lake.
Carol worked at the utility company shortly before the 1972 flood in Rapid City. While there, she met her
lifelong friend, Judy (Archer) Storebo who remains close to family to this day. After that, she worked for
South Dakota Job Service until she retired. She made many friends there and many whom she kept in
touch with, especially Sheryl Gardella.
After retirement, she moved to Nebraska to be closer to her daughters and grandchildren. She
enjoyed being with her grandchildren at sporting events, schools or church programs, or just having
them over for dinner. Some of their favorite memories of being with grandma were watching football or
movies at her place with plenty of popcorn and cans of Coke! In her own time, she loved to do
needlework, read books, do puzzle books, and play piano. She also enjoyed keeping up with friends by
writing letters and looking through her pictures of family. Family was what she always loved the most
and brought her the greatest joy.
Unfortunately, Carol was afflicted with the terrible and debilitating disease of dementia, the same as her
mother and her sister, Phyllis. As the disease progressed, we knew she still enjoyed every visit from
family and friends. She would especially light up when the grandchildren came to see her and eventually,
her great-granddaughter, Evelyn. The disease eventually made her a prisoner of her infirmities and she
no longer spoke, but we still saw sparks when she'd hear music and laughter.
Carol is survived by son James Bottomley of Rapid City, SD, and daughters, Carol Sue (Patrick) Dunklau
of Scribner, NE and Jennifer (Shane) Kreager of Valley, NE, her grandchildren; Jessi, Kassi, Aaron, Alan,
David, Olivia and 6 great-grandchildren.
No services will be held at this time.
Ludvigsen's Scribner Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Online guestbook at www.hooper-scribner.com
Condolences(1)
Vince Archer
, Monday, January 16, 2023 James, Shoosh, and Jennifer, Even though it has been many years since our lives overlapped in Rapid City, our families enjoyed some good moments even while going through challenging times. Your mother was always so kind and gracious to me. Our mothers’ friendship has been an amazing example to behold over the decades, wouldn’t you agree? Thinking and praying for you during this difficult moment.