Carol J. Morgan

Carol Joyce (Landes/Bentele) Morgan, 87, of Overland Park, KS, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 12, 2025 in Rockford, IL while visiting her daughter and son.  Born December 19, 1937 in Kansas City, Missouri to Russel (Dutch) Blaine Landes and Edna Hamlet, Carol was the oldest of five children.  Lifelong friends, Carol was in constant contact with her sister, Aletha Kay (Landes) Bentele, and brother, Russel Landes. She was also in contact with her half-sisters, Cynthia (Pitts) Clark and Shannon (Pitts) Vanata. Relocating to Macon, MO, Carol graduated from Macon High School in the spring of 1955.  It was while attending Macon High School that Carol’s gift as an artist was discovered.  Along with being a member of Macon High School cheerleading team, Carol spent enormous energy developing her drawing and painting skills.  This led to her artwork being included in a New York City Art Exhibit during Carol’s junior year.   

Upon graduation from Macon High School, Carol married Norbert Bentele in 1956 and gave birth to four children.  She married Jackie (Jack) Lynn Morgan in 1962; Carol then gave birth to two sons.

Carol was absolutely the matriarch of her family. She was happiest when she was surrounded by her lifelong partner, her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren.  An artist, a perfectionist, an intelligent, a well-read, a demanding, very funny mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and devoted sister perfectly describes Carol.

Carol relocated to Kansas City, MO after procuring a position as an artist for Hallmark Cards. There she received a corporate scholarship to attend the Kansas City, MO Art Institute.  Carol met her lifelong partner, James L. Basgall, Merriam, KS and enjoyed forty-six laughter filled years together until Jim’s death in 2016. Carol’s interest in expanding her artistic ability into interior design led to a part-time, self-owned, interior design business that quickly expanded to a full time, highly sought-after interior design business.  Carol was appropriately, very proud of her six (6) Kansas City Parade of Homes, Pick of the Parade, both awards for best interior design.

Upon retirement Jim and Carol loved to travel, especially in the southwest US (motivated by her always present inner artist).  Carol and Jim loved to laugh! And did so each, and every, day of the 46 years spent together.  Along the way Carol’s six children were providing spouses, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren for Carol and Jim to enjoy.  But Carol did not stop enjoying only family and was known for her mentoring of those she would come in contact with, such as neighborhood children, in art and drawing throughout her life.

Carol is survived by her sister, Cynthia (Pitts) Clark and five of her six children: Robert Vincent Bentele (Kathleen Morast) of Overland Park KS, Karen Ann Bentele (Brian Rothermel) of Machesney Park, IL, Kelly William Bentele of Machesney Park, IL, Albert Blane Morgan of Kansas City, KS and son Jackie Lynn Morgan, Jr (Mary) of Las Vegas, NV.; eight grandchildren: Bobby Bentele (Jesi), Ryan Bentele (Jessica), Heather Prunty, Jessica Bentele Staten (Geoff), Nick Flack, Addison Morgan (Jeff) and Shelby Morgan (Nick Efurd); eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Carol was preceded in death by James L. Basgall, 2016; beloved son, Kevin James Bentele, 2022; sister, Aletha Kay (Landes) Bentele, 2019; brother, Russel B. Landes, 2012; half-sister, Shannon Vanata; and granddaughter, Caitlin Morgan.

As Carol demanded, she will be interned at the Highland Park Mausoleum & Memorial Park, Kansas City, Kansas, near her son, Kevin’s, and mother, Edna’s final resting place.  Family is planning internment followed by an informal celebration of life to be held on April 5, 2025.  Details will follow.  In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations to the Kansas City, MO Art Institute or the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum, Kansas City, MO.

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