Carole Lynn Duff (Thomas)

Carole Lynn Duff (née Thomas), 63, with family at her side in her home, peacefully went to her eternal reward on the afternoon of December 31, 2020. Be pleased with your Servant, oh Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her.

Carole was the beloved daughter of Carl L. and Donna M. Thomas, born to them on March 19, 1957, in the quintessential all-American small town of Pittsfield, Illinois. Later, Mr. Thomas's career required a transfer, which led the family to the Kansas City metropolitan area.

During her young adult life, Carole was educated in public schools and participated in a wide variety of activities; most uniquely, she was a member of the synchronized swim team, which no doubt was the precursor to her lifelong pursuit of keeping everything and everyone tidy, together, and in order.

After graduating from Southwest High School in Kansas City, Carole pursued a career in the medical profession; she spent decades providing kindness and compassion to those in her care.

Later, she married her high school sweetheart, Johnny Lee Duff, of memory, and of this union were born two sons, Justin Thomas Duff and Dr. Aaron Arthur Blake Duff, and while she loved them equally, as they lovingly reminisce about their mother, the boys will vie for the title of “Favorite Son”.

Life’s journey led Carole to marry Gregory Thomas Fensom, with whom she spent many years laughing, eating at nearly every Mexican restaurant in the metropolitan area, enjoying trips to Hawaii, and leading one another to a deeper union with Christ. Most importantly from this union, Carole gained a bonus daughter, Cassidy Rae Fensom, whom she loved as her own.

Carole was preceded in Heaven by her parents Carl and Donna Thomas, sisters Brenda Thomas and Carla Metcalf, and a brother Carl Brent Thomas.

Those left to carry on her legacy of kindness and compassion are her husband, Greg Fensom, Lake Tapawingo, Missouri, her son Justin Duff (Meghan) of Leawood, KS, her son Aaron Duff of Kansas City, MO, daughter Cassidy Fensom, Mission, KS; sisters Victoria (John) Wiebe of Independence, Elaine Arnone (George) of Independence, Shelby Cobb (Eldon) of Independence, her brother Chuck Thomas of Blue Springs, and a host of nieces and nephews.

She now watches over and leaves an example of kindness for her beloved grandchildren Hudson Thomas Duff, Avery Lynn Duff, Everett Malone Duff, and Davis Arthur Duff.

In celebration of Carole’s life, the family will receive friends at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Independence on the morning of Thursday, January 7, 2021, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. The celebration of the Holy Mass will follow at 12:00pm at St. Mark’s. Fr. Jim Taranto will preside. The funeral procession will lead to Blue Springs Cemetery for burial.

Carole believed in the work of Mother Teresa, therefore, contributions may be made, in her honor, to the Missionaries of Charity (335 East 145th Street, Bronx, NY, 10451, USA 718-292-0019), the religious order founded by Mother Teresa, with the mission of making Christ known to the poorest of the poor through the humble service of love.