Carol Darlene Hancock was born in Beloit, Kansas, on July 11, 1948, to Ivan and Eunice Hughes. She grew up in Burr Oak, Kansas, and attended high school there. Soon after high school she married Jerry Hancock and they moved to Hastings. They were married 57 years and had three children. They lived together in the same house since 1971.  

She babysat neighborhood children in their home, then later worked at the Half Price Store (later named Gordman's) for 27 years. Then she worked several more years at WalMart.  She enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren play sports, but her time in the outdoors camping was her favorite activity.  She wasn't one to go fishing very often but enjoyed being at camp spending time with her family. Most of time the campground was filled with grandparents and parents, sisters and brothers, children and grandchildren, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews. Memorial Day and Labor Day at the lake was often as big of a family get together as Thanksgiving and Christmas.  

Carol Hancock died peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, March 17, at Mary Lanning Healthcare  in Hastings.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ivan and Eunice Hughes of Mankato; and sister, Carla Chambers of Mankato.  

She is survived by her husband, Jerry Hancock of Hastings; brother, Leslie Hughes of Grand Island, Nebraska; sister, Karen Hoit of Hastings three children, Todd (Michelle) Hancock of Topeka, Kansas, Dave Hancock (Mary McCreary) of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Scott (Karina) Hancock of Houston, Texas; seven grandchildren, Kalina (Eric) Bashus, Tony Young, Jason Hancock, Amelia (Jared) Crosser, Taylor Hancock, Tristen Hancock, and Alyssa Hancock.  She had seven great-grandchildren, Lyllian, Jeffrey, Josie, Sebastian, Colleen, Emily, and Harley. And yet there are more.....Michelle's children Tiffany (Noah) Swarts and Amber (Zach) Gilbert and their three children, Macie, Zachary, and Kenzie, all of Salina, held a place in her heart as well.  

Carol was an amazing person with a big heart and cherished her friends and family the most.  We all loved her and will remember her always.  

Her funeral was held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, March 23, at Melby Mortuary with Samantha Stensaas as celebrant.  The family suggests memorials to the American Diabetes Association or to your local animal shelter in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 384, Mankato, Kansas 66956.