Carole Ann Barrell

The family of Carole Ann (Maas) Barrell is sad to announce her leaving this world. At 89, she was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Frances Maas, and her husband, Karl Barrell. Carole is survived by her sisters, Paula Graves and Marsha Perry, and her four children, Tony, Marianne, Peter, and Karla Barrell, a grandchild, Hailey Barrell, and nieces and nephews.

Carole was born in Natrona, Kansas, and grew up in Bellflower, California. She was among the first women to become stewardesses in the fifties and her travels while working for American Airlines remained among her best memories. Of several celebrity sightings in those days, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Elvis Presley, she was most thrilled that John F. Kennedy was on one of her flights.

In 1960, she married an American Airline pilot who was also from Kansas and they had four children while moving around from base to base. In 1970, they moved to undeveloped land in Penngrove, California, to raise their children in the country. She and Karl built an amazing house on a wonderful piece of property and stayed there until the children were grown and moved out. During these years she always warmly welcomed her sisters and their families and Karl’s family as visitors and provided them with great tours of the area.

When her children were young, Carole involved herself in their 4-H membership, even going so far as to start a brand new 4-H club for the children in their remote neighborhood. The parents allowed the 4-H members to name the club and, despite themselves, had to go along with the democratically elected name - Mountain High 4-H.

Later, she became very active in first the local, then the regional Toastmistress International Clubs, rising through the ranks of the club government. Also in this period of her life, Carole and her sisters made several “city trips”, meeting in New Orleans, Washington DC, Seattle, Southern California, and other locations for get-togethers.

Carole and Karl’s retirement was marred by his illness; he contracted Parkinson’s at 59. Carole returned them to Orange County to be nearer her family and medical support. She cared for him at home until he died in 2010.Carole traveled again until her health declined and she returned to Sonoma County. Carole passed away peacefully of natural causes.Carole was a devout Catholic and would appreciate any prayers. The family feels the deepest gratitude to the dedicated and loving professional staff at Creekside Cottage in Petaluma, and the caring, devoted nurses, doctors, and volunteers at Providence Hospice of Petaluma.