Carole Ann Bledsoe

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Carole Ann Bledsoe, beloved mother,

grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Carole passed peacefully on the 25th

of November, 2025 surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grand children at Morningside Place Assisted

Living with Monarch Hospice Care.

“Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will

live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.'” - John 11: 25-26

She was born May 3, 1945 in Columbus Kansas, She graduated from Fulton High School Fulton, Ks. in

1963 after being hit by a milk truck in her car and was in a coma for awhile. She attended Pittsburg State

University in Pittsburg, Kansas for 2 years before moving to Kansas City, Ks and working at KU Medical

Center when she met her husband Homer J. N. Hand. They married June 25, 1966. Their daughter Julie

Ann was born March 17, 1967. Their first son, Jeffrey Newton was born November 29, 1970 and their

youngest son, Kevin Eugene was born November 24, 1975. Carole enjoyed being a mother, cooking and

sewing for her family. She worked as a legal secretary for a law firm for 20 years and then for Property

Damage Appraisers for 25 years before retiring.

She would always try to help those around her and prided herself on being strong and independent. She

enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren and great grand-babies as well and enjoying a cook

out. She would enjoy watching the Chiefs even if she didn't get to very often.

Carole has some short term memory loss the last couple of years that progressively got worse. On July 29,

2025 she was diagnosed with Extreme Alzheimer’s with dementia. Getting her into an assisted living

facility with memory care would take some time. On August 18, 2025 Carole fell in her apartment at her

current assisted living facility and spiral fractured her right femur. She had surgery to put metal supports

in her leg and then the road to physical therapy began. She worked hard to be able to stand and walk again

for the first month but then due to her Alzheimer’s she went down hill fast mentally. She became fearful,

restless and very sad. Carole was fighting something she didn't understand. Her body was healing but her

mind wasn't. Carole moved to Morningside Place on November 17, 2025. The care she received there was

phenomenal and she actually made some connections with her nurses and cna's. But her mind and body

could no longer fight. She had terminal restlessness and when she worked through all of that fear and

uncertainty due to the Alzheimer's she went to be with our Lord in Heaven.

Carole was preceded in death by her parents: Harry “Bud” Beecham, Luella (Hickman) Beecham and step

mother Esther (Sell) Beecham. Brothers: David Beecham and Barney Beecham. Husband: Homer J. N.

Hand.

She is survived by her three children Julie A Garcia (Michael), Jeffrey N Hand and Kevin E Hand

(Nicky). Six Grandchildren: (Julie) Sophia N Ross (Kyle), Michael A Garcia Jr (Regina), Wyatt E Garcia

(Marissa), Faith J Garcia: (Kevin) Miranda M Hand (Damien), and Sarah Hand. Three great-

grandchildren: Trinity N Ross, Scarlett N Ross and Michael A Garcia III. Five brothers: Steven Beecham,

Roger Beecham, Bradley Beecham, Preston Beecham and Wilbur Beecham. Two sisters: Naomi Newsom

and Gretchan Keeton. Several nieces and nephews; numerous great nieces and nephews. As well as a vast

number of friends, colleagues and neighbors.

She was an extraordinary woman, mother, grand mother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, wife and friend

full of strength, love and a warmth that stayed with you.

The family would like to thank Morningside Place Assisted Living and Monarch Hospice Care for the

outstanding care, love and devotion they gave to Carole in the last days of her life here. There are truly

Angels among us and they were with Carole and her family during this time.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Carole's memory to:

Activities Fund at Morningside Place, 6981 W 81st

St. Overland Park Ks. 66204 and

Monarch Hospice & Palliative Care, 7451 Switzer Rd. Ste:100, Merriam, Ks. 66203 at:

https://www.monarchmidwest.org/ (go to the donate tab on the home page).

Celebration of Carole's Life will take place at a later date.

“Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will

live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.'” - John 11: 25-26