Carol Anne (Horsfall) Buhman, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026, in Minden, Nevada, at the age of 88. Born July 1, 1938, in Seattle, Washington, Carol lived a life defined by her deep faith, devotion to family, commitment to education, and genuine care for others.

Carol is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, James L. Buhman; daughters Allison (Ralph) Caron and Elizabeth (Kirk) Stork; grandchildren Alita Caron, Patrick Caron, and Nick (Luyi) Stork; and many extended family members and friends who were blessed to know and love her. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Alita Anne Buhman, in June 1982; her sister, Anne Pittman, in March 2011; her mother, Martha Horsfall, in October 1989; and her father, William Horsfall, in July 1958.

Carol graduated from Queen Anne High School in Seattle in 1956 and earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Washington in 1960. She later earned a master's degree from California State University, Fullerton.

She began her teaching career at Hamilton Junior High and Poly High School in Long Beach, California, where she also met Jim. For years afterward, the two delighted in telling people that they had "met in junior high school." After raising her family, she had a long teaching career. At Fountain Valley High School, she was proud to teach her student to operate the faculty dining room.

Carol's life was deeply rooted in her Catholic faith. She was an active member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in St. Joseph, Missouri, and was also involved with the P.E.O. International chapter in St. Joseph. Through her church, community, family, and friendships, Carol quietly demonstrated her belief in serving and caring for others. Her faith was not simply something she practiced; it was something she lived, placing God at the center of her life, her marriage, and her family.

Carol found joy in sewing, quilting, cooking, golfing, and exploring lighthouses. Her fascination with lighthouses grew into an impressive collection of lighthouse memorabilia and created many special memories along the way. Among the most cherished was the week Carol and Jim spent together tending a lighthouse in Puget Sound—a fitting adventure for two people who spent a lifetime side by side.

Those who knew Carol will remember her in different ways—as a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, a dedicated teacher, a woman of faith, a gracious hostess, a treasured member of the Buhman family, and a trusted friend. Together, those memories tell the story of a woman whose life made a lasting difference to the people around her.

May Carol rest in eternal peace, reunited with those she loved who went before her, after a life so beautifully and faithfully lived.

Services:

Visitation will be held Friday, August 28, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Heaton-Bowman-Smith Chapel, 3609 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, Missouri.

The Rosary will be prayed Friday, August 28, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at Heaton-Bowman-Smith Chapel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 4503 Frederick Avenue, St. Joseph, Missouri.

A graveside service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Saint Mary's Cemetery, 12750 NE Hurlingen Road.

Following the services, family and friends are invited to gather for a luncheon in Summers Hall at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to St. Mary’s Cemetery, C/O Mary Bray, secretary/treasurer 6380 SW Oakridge Rd., Stewartsville, MO 64490 in memory of Carol Buhman.