Carol Kolb

Carol Mae Riley Kolb, age 90, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, at 12:47 p.m., with her family by her side.

Carol was born on April 11, 1935, in Sumner County, Kansas, to Elmer Edward Riley and Lillian Madge Arnold Riley. She was the seventh of nine children. She was baptized and confirmed at South Haven Methodist Church in South Haven, Kansas, beginning a lifelong devotion to her faith that would guide every season of her life.

On March 17, 1957, she married Gottfried “Jeff” John Kolb at the Methodist Church in South Haven, Kansas. Their marriage was a testament to love, faith, and lifelong devotion. Together they built a beautiful life and were blessed with three daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who brought her immeasurable joy.

As a military wife at James Connally Air Force Base, Carol embraced military life with energy and enthusiasm. She devoted herself to supporting her family and serving her community, forming lifelong friendships along the way. When their time in the Air Force concluded, Carol and Jeff returned to Waco, Texas, the place they proudly called home.

In Waco, Carol continued her life of service. She worked as a radiology technician at Waco Radiological Clinic and later at the VA Hospital. Her faith remained central to her life as an active member of Christ Lutheran Church and later Peace Lutheran Church, where she cherished her Joy Group and many dear friends.

Carol was deeply involved in her community through the Waco Federation Women’s Club, Beta Sigma Phi, Red Hats, Kountry Kampers, Meals on Wheels, and countless social groups. She loved people and had a gift for bringing them together.

She especially loved cards — Canasta, Bunco, Manipulation, Bridge, Pinochle, Hand & Foot, Uno, Left, Right, Center, and many more. Everyone knew her one firm rule: “Do not schedule any appointments or engagements on my card days… or hair day.” Card days were sacred; with her sharp wit and competitive spirit, she kept everyone on their toes.

Carol was known for her kindness, strength, humor, generosity, unwavering faith, and resilience. She cherished being a mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her home was always welcoming, her table often full, and her life rich with connection.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jeff, on February 20, 2011, as well as her parents and several siblings.

She is survived by her daughters, Leann Kolb Williams (Shap), Jean Kolb Phillips (Mark), and Cynthia Kolb Rice (Millard); her grandchildren, Summer Tappmeyer Collins (Adam), Katharine Williams Nunley (Nick), Caroline Williams, Whitney Phillips (Tiffany), Spencer Phillips, Kelly Phillips, Ariana Rice, and Alessandra Rice; and her great-grandchildren, Claire Nunley, Campbell Nunley, Joseph Phillips, Emily Phillips, Ian Phillips, and Adelyn Phillips; and her youngest brother, Terry D. Riley.

Visitation will be held at OakCrest Funeral Home in Waco, Texas, on February 20, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on February 21, 2026, at OakCrest in the Chapel, officiated by Pastor Peter Kolb of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Waco. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Peace Lutheran Church and the Waco Federation Women’s Club in her honor. Her family expresses profound gratitude to the many friends and loved ones who enriched Carol’s life with faith, friendship, and laughter. Her legacy of love, devotion, and fiercely protected card days will live on in all who knew her. And if heaven has a card table, she is surely already seated — right on time for the 1:00 p.m. game.