Carol Sue Dean, 75, passed away on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, at Belleville Healthcare and Rehab, Belleville.
She was born on Jan. 16, 1950, in Flora, Illinois, to Gerald “Jud” and Betty L. (Dawkins) Frye.
She graduated from Louisville High School in Louisville, Illinois, in 1968. She received her undergraduate degree from Eastern Illinois University in nathematics and a minor in library science. She later received her master’s degree from Pittsburg State University.
She married Donald N. Dean on Dec. 26, 1971, at the Red Brush Christian Church in Louisville, Illinois. He preceded her in death on Jan. 30, 2025. She and Don lived in Garnett and Chanute prior to them moving to Concordia in 2004. She worked as a librarian for USD 333 until her retirement.
She was a member of the AAUW in Garnett and Chanute. Her passion was going to her children’s and grandchildren’s ball games and events.
Sue is survived by her daughter, Kristin Sue Halfhide of Concordia; siblings, Jim Frye (Joyce), Apopka, Florida, Scott Frye (Kim) Ocala, Florida, Cathy Clark (Bud), The Villages, Florida, and Nancy Kessler (Alan), Illinois; a daughter-in-law, Angela Decoster, Chanute; grandchildren, Zachary Dean (Kayla), Mikaela Dean (Shane), Kaylee Halfhide and Aivree Halfhide; great-grandchildren, Weston Dean and Adrian Halfhide-Sterling; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; sons, Travis Judd Dean and Justin Dean; and her parents.
It was Sue’s wish to be cremated, and a joint memorial service for Sue and Don will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, with Pastor Al Paredes officiating. Friends may sign the register book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, at the funeral home. The burial of the cremains will be at a later time at the Neosho County Memorial Park Cemetery, Chanute.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Carol Sue and Donald Dean Memorial Fund to assist with funeral and medical expenses in care of Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, P.O. Box 606, Concordia, KS, 66901. Leave online condolences at www.chaputbuoy. com.
