Carol Ann Gurney

Carol Ann Blanck Gurney, 86 of Emporia, Kansas passed away in the early hours of Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Presbyterian Manor in Emporia.

Carol Ann was born on March 14, 1940, in Lamont, Kansas, the daughter of Silas and Mable Weaver Blanck.

She grew up on a farm outside of Lamont and attended Lamont High School graduating with the Class of 1958. Carol attended Business School in Topeka and a short time after she married the love of her life, Arthur L. Gurney, on January 24, 1959, in Topeka, Kansas.

Carol and Arthur began their lives together living in the “Princess House” on Clover Cliff Ranch near Elmdale. They soon moved to the Titus & Stout Ranch. Carol and Arthur would raise their four children in Strong City where they worked together operating a freight business. They also operated the local Fina Gas Station and a local Liquor Store.

In 1979, Carol and Arthur bought a ranch southwest of Cottonwood Falls, where they raised cattle. They built a home there in 1989 and remained until retiring and moving to Emporia in 2010.

Carol was an accomplished seamstress and canned much of the produce from her garden. She cooked for family, friends, and weekend workers while also helping feed and tend the cattle. Proud to be called a farm wife, Carol was always willing to do whatever needed to be done. Even so, she remained a lady who never left the house without her lipstick on. She was truly the heart of her family and will be deeply missed.

Carol will live in the hearts and treasured memories of her daughters, Deb Davies of Emporia and Patricia Irons of Alta Vista; sons, Jim Gurney (Robin) of Americus, Kansas and Bill Gurney (Patty) of Emporia; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; numerous extended family members and a community of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Arthur; a grandson; a sister, Liddy Lou Blanck and two brothers, Dan and Lee Blanck.

Carol’s ashes will be placed in Lena Valley Cemetery, north of Lamont, Kansas. Memorial Contributions may be made to Hand In Hand Hospice and sent in care of the Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home, P.O. Box #43, Lebo, Kansas 66856. Condolences may be expressed at vanarsdalefs.com.