Carol Elizabeth Glass King

September 2, 1950—July 8, 2026

Carol was born September 2nd, 1950 in Kowloon, Hong Kong, as the only child of Harry Glass and Sylvia (Krouse) Glass. Her parents were missionaries leading church communities, where Carol became bilingual in Cantonese and English, learned piano and gained insights into other cultures. The little family spent another eleven years in Hong Kong before returning to the United States.

Often known as “Carol Libby” or “Libby” to friends and family, she graduated with honors from Warrensville Heights High School, Cleveland, Ohio, in 1967, where she also learned to play the flute – an instrument she enjoyed for decades. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1971 from Thiel College (Greenville, Pennsylvania), where she met her husband, Terry King. She later earned an associate’s degree in nursing from Missouri Western, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). She married Terry on June 12th, 1971 and worked as a research assistant for a few years before children arrived.

Carol was a registered nurse (RN) and worked as a surgical nurse the majority of her career. She loved it; it was the perfect combination of science, a fast-paced environment and helping others in a grounded, practical way. She was excellent -- known for her scientific knowledge, intelligence, quick thinking, nursing skills and fierce advocacy for patients. She showed up every day giving her all for every patient. That was her way: show up and do it right or go home. She knew they depended on her.

Her quirky personality, sense of humor and fiery spirit were legendary. She would seldom be seen without wearing bold colors, a mix of fun and sentimental jewelry, and a bit of mischief splashed across her face. The world was often entirely too serious. One of her favorite things in the world was a big family sleepover – kids everywhere, conversation corners, laughter, food, and love. Mild, fun chaos was her comfort zone and a mess meant people enjoyed themselves. It didn’t matter how many beds there were – there was always a way to make room. Pontoon trips out on the lake with family, friends and her dog, Pepper, were also great joys, along with special vacations to the beach with her family.

Carol loved deeply, would do anything for her family and fiercely believed enacting God’s love meant not only caring for one another, but standing up for what was right and advocating for those who needed it. She recognized that everyone is unique and made a conscious effort to create a unique, loving relationship with every important person in her life. She taught her children these values, who live it out everyday through their own teaching, service work and caring for their children. Each have been recognized in their fields along the way for excellence, for which she was utterly proud.

Her Christian faith is a central part of her life. At the time of her death, she was a member of Grace and Truth Church in Branson West, Missouri, where she enjoyed using her musical talents for God’s glory. She was also a viajero in HOAC and HEC communities where she often utilized her sense of humor to build team comradery, bring out the joy of God and to reveal God’s love.

Carol is preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law (Mary King). She is survived by her husband, two sons and two daughters-in-law (Kevin and Kimbe; Shawn and Andrea, both in Springfield, Missouri), daughter Heather King (Eureka, California) and six grandchildren: Kayleigh, Kannon, Odyssey, Kambell, Avalyn, and Harrison. She is also survived by brother-in-law Leslie King (wife Judy), two nieces (Kathy and Karla), one nephew (John) and many friends. Her family was her greatest joy. She will be deeply missed by all.

Visitation will be held this Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Grace and Truth Church in Branson West, Missouri from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Grace and Truth Church in Branson West, Missouri. Interment will be at the Joseph Philibert Cemetery in Kimberling City, Missouri, following her services.

A link has been created where people can share their stories of Carol:     Stories of Carol Elizabeth Glass King

Services will be under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City, Missouri.