Carole Cecelia Gran passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Carole lived a long and storied life highlighted by professional accomplishments, world travel, and family connections. Carole was born on December 27, 1937 in Detroit to Thomas and Cecelia Curley. Carole was the oldest of six girls, and a natural leader. She always placed her family first, raising and supporting her sisters through difficult and happy times.

Upon graduating from Redford High School in 1955 Carole began working at the Ford Motor Company as a secretary and started night school at Wayne State University in downtown Detroit. In 1957 Carole met and married Bill Gran, an automotive stylist at Ford, and the couple started a family with two children – Mark and Marcia. After moving to Independence, Missouri, in 1959, Carole and Bill welcomed two more children into the world – Dana, and Geoff. Carole was an avid reader and gardener. She was a supporter of the arts which she shared with her children throughout their early years together.

While raising her family, Carole became active in the community with the Junior Service League. During this period, Carole began working with families who were struggling with developmentally disabled children. This experience was the catalyst that determined her future path into education.

Carole graduated from college in 1972 from Central Missouri State University (CMSU) with a degree in Elementary Education/Special Education. She then began her 30-year career in the Blue Springs School District, teaching at William Yates Elementary. Carole obtained her Master of Education in 1974 from CMSU. She worked tirelessly, brightening her students’ lives with dedication to their learning.

In 1979 she earned her Specialist in Educational Administration from the University of Missouri – Kansas City and was promoted to the Director of Special Education. Carole became immersed in the development and growth of the Special Education program at Blue Springs School District, creating a well-respected program throughout the Kansas City area.

In 1984 Carole earned her Doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of Missouri – Columbia, her promotion to principal of James Lewis Elementary followed. She led an exceptional group of staff and students; receiving the Gold Star School Award in Missouri. The school was ultimately awarded recognition for the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program in 1992.

The following year Carole was promoted to become the Director of Human Resources and later the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. She worked diligently in this role to modernize and streamline the Human Resource office. Along with a dedicated administrative staff, she fostered a culture of excellence by hiring the best teachers available. Through her years working in the district, Carole was an inspirational mentor for many educators, helping them embark on their own professional journeys. Her dedication and ability to foster this growth was a benefit to the school district and community.

During retirement Carole enjoyed traveling with Bill, cooking her favorite recipes, and hosting family and friends in their home. She doted on her grandchildren, enriching their lives through shared experiences of travel, the arts and supporting their endeavors. She celebrated holidays with them in true grandmother style. She travelled with her sisters, her children, and with old friends. Every moment with Carole was spent happily – listening to stories, sharing laughs, and creating memories.

Following Bill’s death in 2006, Carole spent time working as a grief recovery specialist and as a volunteer with Befrienders Worldwide. She later met Leon Otten, and they married in 2008. The couple enjoyed spending time at their house at Lake of the Ozarks. Carole and Leon were members at St. Mark’s church, actively participating in events and meeting many new friends. Carole participated in the parish council and was a generous supporter of Unbound, a non-profit which supports the education of underprivileged girls in India and Africa, by lifting them out of poverty. Carole and Leon adopted a miniature poodle they named Charlie, who became a comfort and companion to Carole in later years.

She is survived by her children Marcia (Pack), Dana (Amy), and Geoff (Barbie), her grandchildren Aurora, Austin, Walker, and Katrina, sisters Bonnie, Kathy, Patti and Theresa. We find comfort in knowing she is now at peace, joining her husband Bill Gran, son Mark Gran, grandson Noah Miracle, sister Marcia Scianna and second husband Leon Otten who preceded her in death.

A service will be held on May 7 at Speaks Suburban Chapel,18020 E 39th St. Independence, MO 64051 from 2:00 to 3:00 pm.

A reception will follow from 4:00 to 7:00 at Lakewood Oaks Country Club, 651 NE Saint Andrews Cir., Lee's Summit, MO 64064 to honor our memories of Carole and celebrate her life.