Carol Leona Dudley, 81, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on March 1, 2026, at Cedarhurst Senior Living of Blue Springs, where she had lived the last few years.
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 5, at New Salem Funeral Home, Independence. Burial in New Salem Cemetery. Friends may call 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. prior to the service.
Carol was born September 4, 1944, to Iverson and Mildred Birdwell in Independence, where she lived her entire life until moving to Cedarhurst. She spent her career with the Independence School District as a secretary and administrative assistant.
Despite always living in Independence, Carol enjoyed traveling very much. In her retirement, she could often be found on the road with an organized bus trip with friends and other seniors. She even traveled to Africa when her son and his family were missionaries there, visiting Togo, Benin, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.
Carol also enjoyed genealogy and researching family history. Her travels often took her to places connected to her family history.
She was first married to Warren Darnell, with whom she had a son. She was later married to William S. Dudley, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her son, Tony Darnell.
She is survived by grandson Logan Darnell, granddaughter Elizabeth Darnell, and daughter-in-law Marlene Darnell, all of Independence.
Memorial contributions may be made to Plaza Heights Christian Academy in Blue Springs.
Obituary submitted by the family.
Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home ~ Independence, MO (816) 796-8600