July 8, 1945 ~ August 9, 2024
Private family services are planned to celebrate and remember the life of Carol J. VanSickel. Carol passed away in Tulsa on Friday, August 9, 2024. She was 79.
Born in Newton County, MO on July 8, 1945, to Roy A. and Barbara (Burch) Farnham. Carol was raised and educated in Redings Mill, MO and graduated from Redings Mill Public Schools. Following graduation Carol continued her education with some college classes. Carol’s work career was in the medical industry, where she was an office manager for a group of heart doctors that practiced at St. Johns in Tulsa. On December 12, 2008, in Miami, OK, Carol married not only the love of her life but her soul mate as well, Leighton VanSickel. The two were truly a match made in heaven.
Carol was a giver; she was a true advocate of the underdog in any situation. She wanted what was right and fair for everyone. Carol was also gifted in the art of conversation. She could, just by listening and having that quick compliment for anyone, make a person’s day. Carol liked to write positive reviews of people and companies. She wanted each employee as well as a business to know when they had done something right and above the usual expected standard. Carol was a die-hard Sooner fan. She liked football and OU lady’s softball. She held season passes to all the OU football games and it was there that she made many lifelong friendships. Carol was proud of the home she and Leighton had purchased and it allowed Carol to show off her decorating skills. Leighton and Carol enjoyed stock car races and attending concerts together.
In later life and as the health of her parents declined, Carol and Leighton; together, took care of them. They made sure their needs were met and that their quality of life was preserved. No story about Carol would be complete unless you mentioned her love of animals, especially cats. Over the years she has had several including Baker who was named after Baker Mayfield the quarterback for OU and Chellie. But with any pet owner Carol had her absolute favorite cat and that was “Tom”. According to Leighton, Carol had the unique ability to communicate with him and if you listened carefully, he could even talk back to her.
Carol has left a legacy of caring and compassion that will live on in the lives of her family and friends. Carol is survived by her husband, Leighton and cousin, Bill Burch. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Claude Moutray.