Carol Ann Buhrle

Rev. Carol Ann Buhrle (Kirkpatrick), 80, of Independence, MO, passed away December 9, 2023.

Carol Buhrle was born on March 20, 1943 to Bud Kirkpatrick and Faye England (Turpin) in Kansas City, MO. She had one older brother Leon Kirkpatrick, and two younger brothers, Robert (Bob) Kirkpatrick and Buddy Paul Howard. All her brothers and parents have preceded her in death.

After Carol graduated from Westport high school in 1960 she met her future husband, Robert (Bob) Buhrle. They met while working at the old Research Hospital in Kansas City.

Carol and Bob united in marriage on September 2, 1961. They were married 60 years before Bob was called home to our Lord and Savior.

Carol moved to Independence, Mo in 1964 with her husband and daughter, and started attending St. Mark's United Methodist Church in 1967.

Carol and Bob had a daughter Rev. Kelley Buhrle and son Keith Buhrle. Carol put her husband and children second in her life, Christ being the first.

Carol was a stay at home mom, volunteering at Elm Grove elementary school as a nurse until 1977, then she worked at Sears for 16 years at the Independence Center mall. In 1993 Carol retired from Sears to attend the St. Paul School of Theology. Becoming a local pastor in the Kansas City, Polo, and Cowgill area. She enjoyed very much sharing the love of Christ.

Carol worked with Bob in Boy Scouts, soon becoming the Chaplin of Boy Scout troop 206 from Independence, MO. She spent four summers at the Bartle Scout Camp in Osceola, MO as Chaplin with many boys and men at the camp.

Carol was a Mic-O-Say member in Boy Scouts, her name was Walk with Swift Brown Bear. Bob being Swift Brown Bear.

Carol enjoyed square dancing with the Road Runners, camping, canoeing, watching nature, quilting, and taking care of the Church and her family. Carol and Bob spent a lot of time traveling the United States in their RV after they became empty nesters. Most of all, Carol enjoyed being with and doing all adventures with her husband.

Rev. Carol is survived by her Daughter and Son, one sister in law, one niece, 6 nephews, and many great and great-great nieces and nephews. Carol has many bonus children and grandchildren. If someone needed a parent or grandparents Carol and Bob opened their arms to them.

Other that have preceded in her death besides her husband, parents, and three brothers are her mother and father in law, brother in law, sister in law, and one nephew, as well as many beloved dogs.

Mom knew where she was going, and told everyone that she would soon be home worshipping her Lord and Savior, and she was eager to see her love of over 60 years again.

We love you Mom and Dad, see you soon.

Visitation is from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and service to begin after at 12:00pm on January 13, 2023\, at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 603 N. Jennings Rd. Independence, MO 64056.

In lieu of flowers please donate food or monetary gifts to the Food Pantry of St. Mark's United Church. Carol and some church friends started the Community Food Pantry in the 1990's.