Obituary of CAROL GRAENING

Carol Frances Graening took her place among the angels on Monday evening, September 29, 2014. Born to Leland F. and Helen Veronica (Smith)Teed in Chicago, Illinois on August 2, 1925, she lived through the life-defining times of the Depression, World War II, and 9/11. Carol was widowed in 1978 when her husband Mark, a well-known pianist in the Tulsa area, passed away. Her older sister Phyllis and her younger brother Gary both preceded her in death, as didher son Bruce in 2004. Carol attended a local Catholic girls' school and Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Illinois. Soon after the end of World War II, she and Mark eloped and started their married life in the suburbs of Chicago, living with his parents until postwar housing became available. Carol became a remarkable wife and the mother of four children, always taking pride in her family and home. She excelled in the domestic arts and found great satisfaction in sharing her abilities with family and friends. Long before most women took on responsibilities for outside work in addition to their homes and families, Carol was gainfully employed while maintaining the family and home. Through the years, the family lived in Elgin, Illinois; Ft. Smith, Arkansas and, finally, in Tulsa. Carol was a devoted Christian and for many years belonged to the First Baptist Church of Tulsa before joining the Sonshine Singles at Eastwood Baptist later in life. Her longtime friend, J.E. Barton, is also a member of that group. Carol's survivors include: daughter Paige Graening and son-in-law James Pursell of Pembroke Pines, Florida; son Brian Graening of Tulsa, and daughter Joy Mobley and son-in-law Dr. Paul Mobley of Pryor. Her five grandchildren -- adored and adoring -- are Brian Graening-Price of Wilmington, Delaware; Mark Clement of Nashua, New Hampshire; Deborah Lebl of North Andover, Massachusetts; John Mobley of Tulsa, and Philip Mobley, also of Tulsa. She was joyously anticipating the birth of her first great grandchild when she passed away. Carol was well-prepared for her transition out of this world and did not fear death. Those left behind will always be grateful for the love, the courage and the spirit that she imbued in them. Service at 2:00 pm, Friday, Oct. 3, 2014 in the Memorial Park Chapel, 51st & Memorial, Tulsa.