Carla Mae Brooks, 77, Hays died Saturday, January 9, 2021, at HaysMed surrounded by family.
She was born April 10, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, to Arnold and Helena (Wollesen) Duus. She attended grade school in Denmark, Kansas and graduated from Vesper High School in 1961. She attended Fort Hays Kansas State College for two years and returned decades later, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 1994 from Fort Hays State University. Carla married Gary B. Brooks on August 25, 1963, in Denmark. After a short time living in Oregon, Gary and Carla moved to Healy, Kansas, where they operated the family farm and raised their three children. She worked for two years as a para for the Healy Schools. In 2002, they moved to Hays to be near their daughters’ families. Carla enjoyed music and politics, but mostly enjoyed raising her children. Her most treasured times were spent with her family, especially when playing games and watching her children and grandchildren’s activities, such as school musicals, plays, and sporting events.
Survivors include her husband Gary of Hays, son: Tim Brooks and wife Rachel of Milford, NH, two daughters: Pam Dreiling and husband Keith of Hays and Tammy Wellbrock and husband Gerard of Hays, a brother: Melvin Duus of Dallas, TX, six grandchildren: Darci Dreiling, Levi Dreiling, Jenna Rankin and husband Kyle, Garrett Wellbrock, Serena Brooks, and Chase Brooks, and one great granddaughter: Lucy Rankin.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorial services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 18, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church, in Hays with Rev. Mike Rose officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:00 am until 10:00 on Monday at the church. Inurnment will be later this summer in the Healy Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Healy First United Methodist Church or to the Denmark Evangelical Lutheran Church, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Condolences and memories of Carla may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com