Carolyn Sandell

The world changed on May 25, 1942 the day Carolyn Sandell was born in Tonganoxie, KS to Oscar and Agnes (Capps) Merritt. She was welcomed home by her brother Gary Merritt where the brother and sister bond began. The two were a strong bond growing up in Caldwell, Wellington, and spending summers on the Braman Farm with Tom and Colleen Lehrling and family. They considered Tom and Colleen their parents as they loved Carolyn and Gary as their own. Carolyn shared stories, especially the past weeks, of Tom and Colleen and their generosity and love shown to her and Gary. So, this is why they always considered Pam, Rick, and Lynette as siblings…they basically grew up together. Carolyn attended school in Caldwell and Wellington which is why she split going to both class reunions…she enjoyed both but believe she favored going to Caldwell’s. She shared memories of being out on the Herb and Ruth Lungren farm with cousins and friends. They would play hide and-seek in their three-story farm house…she said there were so many places her and Karen Wirtz would hide and never be found. They followed the cow trail down to the Chikaskia River to swim, there was a gold fish pond, jumping in hay from the loft of the barn, and grabbing a pop out of their pop cooler topped off the days spent there.   

Carolyn met the love of her life Sonnie (Harold) Sandell and they were married on February 8^th, 1958 at the Fairfax Oklahoma Courthouse.  The life adventures began by adding two kids, first a daughter and then a son, Kim and Kelly. They lived where Sonnie’s work took them but settling back in their hometown of Caldwell to raise their family. They purchased the house the Sandell brothers helped build together, where today still holds the name Sandell Funny Farm. (A name which was given decades ago by Don Goff) Carolyn and Sonnie ran a small farm operation, having pigs and cows, working together side by side. They were glad to be back close to family. Weekends were spent either with the Wirtz or Sandell side or both. Carolyn lived for and loved the times with family where there was lots of visiting, card playing, laughter, and memories being made. Sonnie and Carolyn were both involved in their kids’ activities and helped coach many teams. Carolyn was in charge of the concession stand at the ball field. Now, for all of you who remember, visualize the local ball field in the late 60’s early 70’s…Carolyn received a phone call from the State to get the permit (that’s how they did it back then, answer a few questions). One of the questions was does the concession stand have running water and Carolyn replied with a yes…after the phone call Kim was surprised her Mom lied…Carolyn replied, “I did not, because we have to run over to the football field to get it.” Carolyn started working for the USD#360 after Kelly started grade school. She wore many hats, bus driver, helped in the cafeteria, para, and did a program called Do So where she went to each elementary grade. She worked there many years till she decided to go with Sonnie, when Santa Fe transferred his job to Newton and then on to Topeka. Carolyn returned home after losing Sonnie to Cancer. Carolyn with the help of Tom Lehrling remodeled her house. She again returned to USD#360 to be the Food Service Coordinator, which she enjoyed because she worked with good people and of course would see her grandchildren every day.  They would talk her out of a cookie or cinnamon roll and maybe money for a pop. She attended all her grandkids events and her great grandkids events. Carolyn would always have a tip or two what they should do next time…she still was coaching from her lawn chair. Carolyn loved to dance, country swing dance, of course. Some years ago, she would pick up Anne Ginn and Donna Wilson on Thursday nights and go dance. They would also go if George Downum and the Border Bandits were playing nearby…could you call them “groupies”? Carolyn was one who liked being around people and having fun. Carolyn and Glady Tomlin were the ones who started the famous St. Patrick’s Day group. (This fact was just known a couple of days ago) Carolyn was known as the Last Chance greeter…but never on the payroll. She would invite anyone to the round table (aka the knowledge table) and she met many people who became her friends. Carolyn found other ways to socialize after the Last Chance closed. She loved going to Caldwell Friendship Meals and especially when they played cards. She would go to the pool hall on Tuesdays to play pitch, Wednesday evening at Friendship meals, and the pool hall on Thursdays when they would play Texas Hold’em. She loved to play games and got her great grandkids to play dominos with her.

Carolyn loved Caldwell, the people and the history. She was involved with the Historical Society and participated in the community plays and her favorite was “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”.   Carolyn loved her family and when you walk into her house it shows by all the pictures on the wall. She always had a story to share and you might have heard it before but was so proud to share again. She has been described by others as feisty, a “hoot”, fun, loving, caring, loved to talk to her, always made others feel welcome and a little bit ornery. Kelly and Kim couldn’t have picked a better Mom. She was always there to lend advise if you wanted it or not. She told it like it was and never really sugarcoated anything. 

Carolyn was strong in her faith and was a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church, of Wellington for years till her health made it a challenge to attend. She started attending with her family at the Central Christian Church. So, our world changed forever on December 31, 2025 when Carolyn went home to the Lord where she was greeted by Sonnie and so many family members who went before her. Yes, we can’t forget her dog, Dawg, we are sure he was there patiently waiting to greet her as he always made sure, she made it home safely.

Preceded her in death: Husband Sonnie Sandell; Grandson Joe Reilly; Granddaughter Callie Reilly; Parents Tom and Colleen Lehrling, Brother Rick Lehrling, Mother Agnes Saunders

Survived by: Kelly and Leesa Sandell, Kim Reilly, Cassie and Chris McLaen, Gary Merrit, Pam and Jimmie Stansbury, Lynette and Wade Alexander. Great Grandchildren: Lexie and Kylee Reilly, Skylla Brown, Shealynn Reilly, Kurtes and Emma McLaen. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 5, 2026 at the Central Christian Church in Caldwell, Kansas with Pastor J. Young officiating. Burial will follow at the Caldwell City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Caldwell Historical Society or to the Caldwell Senior Center and sent in care of the mortuary.