RAYMOND — Carol Gene Frees, 71, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Sept. 17, 2026 at Ellinwood Hospital. Born Nov. 8th, 1954 at Providence Hospital in Kansas City, Kan. to parents Edward Eugene and Ila Pauline (Vice) Crews. She graduated from Washington High School in Kansas City, Kan. After high school Carol received her BS from Kansas State University and later her MS from Friends University. She went on to find her calling teaching early childhood development special education for more than 35 years.

Carol was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and longtime member of Ellinwood Community Church (formerly Immanuel United Church of Christ). She loved spending time with her grandchildren, decorating, shopping with friends, her Kansas State Wildcats, and her Kansas City Chiefs. Carol married the love of her life Jerry Frees on Feb. 18, 1978 in Kansas City, Kan. Later that year they moved North of Raymond, Kan. where they would raise a family.

Survivors include Husband, Jerry Frees, Raymond, Kan.; children, Lacy Christine (Matt) Draznik, Louisburg, Kan., Austin Jay (Shelbi) Frees, Ellinwood, Kan.; beloved grandchildren, Van and Stevie Draznik and Madilyn, Ila, Jaylyn, and Dusti Frees. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral service will take place 10:30 a.m., Friday, Sept. 25th at Ellinwood Community Church with Pastor Sam Ryan officiating. Interment will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood. Visitation will take place Thursday, Sept. 24th from 1-7 p.m. with family receiving friends from 5-7 p.m. at Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood. Memorials are suggested towards St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Ellinwood Community Church, or donor’s choice in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526. Condolences to the family me be left at www.minnischapel.org.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Minnis Chapel

P.O. Box 246

Ellinwood, KS 67526

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 22, 2026