Carol Joan Stricker

Carol Joan Stricker, 81, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., formerly of North Little Rock, passed away Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013 at Cedargate Care Center in Poplar Bluff. Mrs. Stricker was born on Sept. 19, 1931 in Anadarko, OK to Carl E. and Alma Pulis West. She graduated from Central State University in Edmond, Okla. with a Bachelor's Degree in English and Humanities, and taught eighth grade English for several years. In 1974, Mrs. Stricker along with her husband, Cecil, founded Pack's Do It Center in Poplar Bluff, where she worked for a few years. She also served two terms on the Missouri Humanities Council, and four years on the Missouri Development Finance Board in Jefferson City, Mo. Mrs. Stricker was active in the Historical Society of Poplar Bluff, and worked for the Community Resource Council of Butler County, both as a Board Member and later as an employee working with at-risk-kids. She was a member of the First United Methodist; and was a member of the Eastern Star, and PEO, Chapter D.G. (since 1972). Her greatest joy in life was being a wife, mother and grandmother, and when finding time she enjoyed reading, gardening and searching for antiques. On March 5, 1950, she married Cecil E. Stricker in Anadarko, Okla. He preceded her in death on June 16, 1986. Survivors include two sons, Randy Stricker (Maryrose), of Poplar Bluff and Ross Stricker of North Little Rock, Ark.; and one grandson, Zachary Graham Stricker, of Fayetteville, Ark. In addition to her husband, her parents and two sisters preceded Mrs. Stricker in death. A gathering will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11 a.m. in the Chapel with Rev. David Stewart officiating. Entombment will be at The Chapel of Memories Mausoleum, in the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Poplar Bluff Public Library at 318 N Main St., Poplar Bluff, Mo. 6390. Friends may leave an expression of condolence for the family at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.