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Carole Ann (Bart) Holcomb
Jul 12, 1948 - Jun 29, 2020

Carole Ann (Bart) Holcomb died at home in Olathe surrounded by her family on June 29, 2020 after battling cancer. Born July 12, 1948 in Runnells, Iowa she is survived by her husband, Mark, her daughters, Rebecca (Tony Smith) Holcomb, Sarah (Eric Whiteman) Holcomb, and Kristen (Scott) Holcomb-Wallace.

 

She is survived by her siblings, Jim (Cynthia) Bartelma, and Connie (Ron) Banks, and a fairly incredible extended family of overachievers.

 

Family was the center of her life.  Bart loved her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren infinitely and without reservation.

 

She leaves 7 grandchildren who made her eyes sparkle.

 

She taught elementary school and was simply exemplary. One of her students still wrote to her 50 years later. She tutored her husband into medical school. She left the classroom to start her family. She turned out a MD, a JD, and a DVM. All women of singular determination and character. And, most importantly, damned good people.

 

Her greatest accomplishment was being. She lived in the moment and she lived for others. She was loving, wise, kind, and giving. She left a million plans and projects unfinished but completed the most important task for all of us- living a life of goodness for others.

 

In lieu of flowers, gold bars, or diamonds, Bart requested donations to:

Blue Valley Christian Church

P.O. Box 24214

Overland Park, Ks 66283-4214 .
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Additional Service:
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Condolences

Jon and Karen van der Hagen Jul 01, 2020

Partner and friend ,Baxter ,Minnesota

Mark, Becky, entire extended Holcomb family, What a terrible loss for you, and for all of us. We are sure that she was a super person if she could keep Mark and Becky in line( 2 of my favorite people at work by the way). There are no words to adequately console you, but there are many of us here beside when grief makes your steps falter. Deepest condolences, Jon and Karen van der Hagen

Ron Hollrah Jul 02, 2020

Former Olathe next door neighbor ,Keystone ,Colorado

Bart was a truly special person. She was a faithful Christian, loving wife, mother and grandmother and a caring human being. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Sarah Roush Jul 02, 2020

What a loss. My heart aches for you. I will always remember Bart for welcoming me to her table, with a friendly smile, for a big bowl of homemade ice cream. And I will remember you all in my prayers every time I use the ice cream maker I received from the Holcombs as a wedding gift.

Rich Beamon Jul 02, 2020

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

I am so sorry for your and our loss of such a wonderful caring, loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Carol “Bart” was very strong smart woman who always let you know her thoughts. I remember once when we were all saying nice things about Mark and how much he does for everyone Bart very wisely remarked that she knew that but “let me tell you something nobody takes care of Mark like Mark!” Carol”Bart” Holcomb was a truly a great person and a wonderful woman and all the beautiful memories we have will never die.”

Sandra Amerine Jul 02, 2020

Friend ,Lees Summit ,Missouri

While working with her husband, Mark, for over 25 years, I was able to interact with Bart and their three beautiful daughters. What a sweet lady! I’m sure she will be greatly missed. My prayers are with the family along with lots of hugs...

Joe McMillian Jul 02, 2020

Friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

Leslie and I were stunned by the news and overwhelmed with a sadness that goes beyond words. A light has gone out in our neighborhood.

Joe and Lynn Howard Jul 03, 2020

Friends ,Hermantown

Losing your mother is so hard. We are praying for peace for your family .

Josh and Sammie Brueggemann Jul 04, 2020

Mark’s colleague ,Pittsburg ,Kansas

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Holcomb family for peace and rest. To say this has been a challenging season would not begin to describe your experience. To Mark, you are a blessing and a tremendous co-worker and friend through it all. Thank you!

Suzy Leary Jul 05, 2020

Neighbor ,Olathe ,Kansas

So sad to hear of Bart's passing. Such a sweet lady and neighbor. We share some wonderful memories when the children were little. Peace to her wonderful family.

RICHARD ALETA ROSENTHAL Jul 05, 2020

Extended family ,Tucson ,Arizona

A wonderful caring person who will be missed but always remembered by us

Ron Byrd Jul 05, 2020

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Mark, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls.

Calvin & Adenir Belshe Jul 05, 2020

Our Deepest condolences to the family. Our prayers are with you. Kristen we will be thinking of you. Sincerely.

Janice Harris Jul 07, 2020

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

On Sunday, July 5, some of Bart's fellow members of Blue Valley Christian Church met on Zoom to remember Bart. It was a time of some laughter, some reflection and a few tears. The photo chosen for Bart's obituary was so appropriate in that it had the arm of a child (presumably a grandchild) wrapped around her shoulder. We remembered Bart's beautiful alto voice and how the prize seat in church was sitting in front of her. We remembered her competently leading a discussion series on her cousin Lee's book about being a pastor in a women's prison. We remembered her generosity and participation for church events (Ex. Cooking and shredding beef brisket for 50 people for a Strengthening Families dinner). We remembered how she could find an amusing aspect in any situation. A number of Bart sayings were shared. A few to remember are: Suit up and show up. Wag more; bark less. It's no biggie. Embrace the orange barrels. We will miss Bart Holcomb.