Carole Nadine Wilcox was born August 24, 1934 in Emporia, Kansas, daughter of Albert and Catherine (Groves) Hammer.  She grew up in Kansas, graduating from Roosevelt High School in Emporia, Kansas.  She attended Emporia State University, where she received her dental hygienist training.

On April 19, 1975, Carole was united in marriage with Herbert L. Wilcox Jr. in Topeka, Kansas.  They made their home on the Wilcox farm southeast of Anthony, Kansas.

In 1976, Carole and Herb opened Balloon's Aloft, a FAA certified balloon repair station, in Anthony.  They shared a love for hot air balloons and together traveled all over the United States competing and flying in balloon rallies.  In 1983, they won the US Gas Balloon Championship, earning the opportunity to travel to Europe and France to fly.  In 1997, they started the Sunflower Balloon Fest in Anthony and organized it for several years before the Chamber of Commerce took it over.

Carole was a member of the Congregational Church of Anthony, the Wichita Balloon Club, the Balloon Federation of America, and the Kansas Buffalo Association.

Carole passed away on June 5, 2024 at her home southeast of Anthony at the age of 89.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Herb on May 15, 2016; her parents; and her only sibling, Barbara Snook.

Carole will be deeply missed by her sons: Rick (Cindy) Fischer, Barry (Michelle) Fischer, and Perry Fischer; stepchildren: Beth Phillippi, Judy (Tom) Deuth, and David Wilcox; 10 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; an aunt, Ima Marsh; other relatives; and many friends.

Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony, Kansas with David Hodson officiating.  Burial will follow in Forest Park Cemetery, Anthony.

Friends may view and register from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials in memory of Carole may be made to the Kansas Humane Society or to Country Care Hospice and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.