Carol Kuhn Marks, beloved mother, teacher, and friend, passed away on

November 24, 2024, at the age of 84. Born on November 8, 1940, she was an

extraordinary woman known for her warmth, her laughter, and her ability to see

the world in a unique and delightful way.

Carol wanted to be known as "eccentric" expressing her own quirks with stories

that made her unforgettable. She had a way of speaking and observing the world

that was unlike anyone else. For instance, she referred to a Mercedes as a

“Mar-cedes” and once thought “varicose veins” were actually, "very close veins.”

She emerged from a movie theater after seeing, “Rain Man,” speaking just like

Dustin Hoffman's character. In the 1970s, in Enid, one time she decided to hop out

of the car, full of low energy family and jog the rest of the way home—her clogs

"clip-clopping" on the pavement as she ran ahead of the car the rest of the block.

Carol’s life was marked by resilience. She survived three near-death experiences,

including two car accidents, and a nearly fatal reaction to medications that left her

in ICU for a week. In one, her brother, who had been seated next to her, did not

survive. Carol carried on, always with a remarkable spirit. She survived a stroke

with grace, accepting her new limitations but never allowing them to define her.

Though she never drove after the stroke, she lived fully and deeply, continuing to

inspire those around her.

A lifelong educator, Carol taught over 40 years, in eight different schools systems

across the state of Oklahoma. She was awarded the honor of teacher of the year, a

number of times in many of those schools and became involved in the Oklahoma

Institute for Child Advocacy. She dedicated herself to elementary and early

childhood education as a trailblazer in the field. Earning a masters degree and

specialized certifications, including reading, before most of her colleagues,

she always stayed ahead of the curve with her innovative methods. Carol was

known for her ability to bring out the best in her students. For example, inspiring

four-year-olds to write poetry about a rainforest before many people knew

rainforests existed. She was also a talented grant writer, securing funding that

directly benefited her students and her school. She loved children, and they adored

her in return, appreciating her warmth, wisdom, and patience.

Carol’s nurturing spirit extended far beyond the classroom. She was devoted to her

first husband and second husband. She took on the unspoken second job that comes

with being the spouse of a United Methodist pastor and cared for very member of

her extended family with kindness, providing a safe and loving space. She was

always there for her loved ones, often putting their needs before her own.

A remarkable cook, Carol loved creating innovative dishes for family, church and

school gatherings. he was also an advocate for the planet, deeply concerned about

climate change and embraced a “green” lifestyle. She supported efforts to raise

awareness about environmental issues, always encouraging. Her empathy and

understanding were boundless. Whether comforting an animal, a friend or sharing

a cup of tea, she had the rare ability to make others feel seen and heard. Her gift of

listening, along with her non-judgmental, compassionate nature, made her the rock

for many people in her life.

Carol was a steadfast member of the United Methodist Church her entire life, 12

churches to be exact. Nine of those she served as a pastor’s wife. After her first

marriage, she drove an hour and a half each way, every Sunday, from Pauls Valley,

Oklahoma to The Church of the Servant in Northwestern Oklahoma City for

several years until she found St. Stephen’s in Norman. She participated on a

number of committees and spent up to three and four days a week serving and

enjoying others there, until she moved to San Diego to live with her daughter,

Donna’s family. Carol was committed to and delighted in spending time with

family members, especially her grandchildren.

She was a member of these United Methodist churches: 1st in Carnegie, 1st in

Paoli, 1st in Enid, 1st in Aline, 1st in Canton , 1st in Mannford, Central and

Willowview in Enid, 1st in Frederick, 1st in Pauls Valley, The Church of the

Servant, in Oklahoma City and St. Stephen’s in Norman.

Later, she also found strength in spiritual beliefs through recovery in Emotions

Anonymous, where some affectionately knew her as the “queen of EA.” Her

compassion for others and her ability to connect deeply with people made her

beloved by everyone she encountered. Her legacy lives on in the countless people

whose lives she touched.

Carol is survived by her daughters, Gina Williams and Donna Roth, son-in-law,

David and grandchildren, Indigo and Zane Roth, stepdaughter’s Anita Tanner and Karla Willis and their families. She is 

also survived by her cousins Mimi Kuhn, Bill Kuhn, John Kuhn, Kay Niufar,

Patrick Kuhn, Rochelle Everline and their families, and the family of Rita

Gerner; along with nieces and nephews Karen Kuhn, Kathy Prokupek, Mary

Luther, Byron Williams, Mike Gist, Terri Granado and their families.

Carol believed in eating dessert first and she loved to dance. She lived her life

with that same joy and spontaneity. She will be dearly missed, but her spirit and

the lessons she taught us will live on forever.

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