Carol Layne Bonewell

Carol Layne Bonewell, 79, dearly loved family member and friend, passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2025. A celebration of life will take place at 10:30 am Friday, January 24, 2025, at Smith Mortuary in Derby. A reception will be held at the Derby Golf & Country Club immediately following the service.

Carol was born on September 11, 1945, in Wellington, KS., to Vernon and Virginia Valdois. She attended first grade in Belle Plaine then moved in 1952 to a farm in Derby, where she attended Derby Public Schools. During childhood, Carol had many interests and talents. She began playing the piano at age six and continued playing throughout her life. She even played at dinner time every Friday night for the last 20 years at the Westview Nursing Home in Derby. She also played the guitar, sang on local television programs, and made a record that she said “didn’t go very far.” While attending Derby schools, she was selected as yearbook queen, participated in cheerleading, and was involved in everything musical. During this time, along with her sister Linda, she sang at a local weekly singing competition with the Tom Kurby band at the Big D Jubilee. Carol was always competitive, participating in horse racing, golf, softball, ping-pong, cards, and pool…just to name a few! She loved learning and returned to college and obtained her bachelor’s degree from Wichita State in 2001. Carol was blessed with three beautiful children, Lori, Kellie, and Jamie. She married Larry, the love of her life in 1979 and they were happily married until her last day. She spent her late adult life playing golf, fishing, and spending time with her family, friends, and her dog Bucky.

Carol is survived by her husband of 45 years, Larry Bonewell; her two daughters, Kellie Mize, Lori Miller (Ken Trujillo); Step-children Todd Bonewell, Greg Bonewell, and Amy Golay (Todd), her brother Val Valdois (Darla), sister Linda Whitcomb, 15 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Vernon and Virginia Valdois, son Jamie Lough and granddaughter Lindzi Bonewell.