Carol Lea Acker

Carol Lea Acker, born on June 21, 1950, in Herington, Kansas, passed away peacefully at her home in rural Junction City, Kansas, on November 18, 2025. She leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication to family and community.

For nearly forty years, Carol served faithfully as a bookkeeper and accounts payable specialist at Waters Hardware Store in Junction City—an embodiment of responsibility and expertise in her career. Faith was important to Carol. She was actively involved as a member of the Sutphen Mill Christian Church. She was a volunteer with the Geary Community Hospital Auxiliary at the gift shop.

Those who knew Carol well remember her warmth, exemplified by her beautiful smile that could light up a room. She had a profound love for her family, which was evident in the time she cherished with them, particularly her grandchildren. Her passions extended to gardening; she found joy in nurturing plants and flowers, especially during the summertime.

Traveling with friends brought Carol immense joy, and she particularly loved visiting Branson, Missouri. Her first cruise was in 2024, a proud moment that she fondly reminisced about.

Carol is survived by her daughters, Natasha Kelly and her husband David of Junction City, Kansas, and Joye Gfeller and her husband Sam of Chapman, Kansas. She will also be lovingly remembered by her brother Gary Newbury and his wife Mary of Mansfield, Texas, and her brother Jeff Newbury of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Carol’s legacy continues through her four grandchildren: Caitlyn Ibarra and her husband Edson, Shannon Kelly, Shailynn Gfeller, Jacob Gfeller, and her great-granddaughter Camila Ibarra.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerald (Nub) Acker, her son Derald Acker, and her parents George and Mona Jean (Worrell) Newbury, Carol’s departure leaves a space in the hearts of all who knew her.

A visitation in honor of Carol will be held on November 21, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Johnson & Mass Hinitt Funeral Home located at 203 N Washington St, Junction City, KS. A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Sutphen Mill Christian Church, 3117 Paint Road, Chapman, KS with Pastor David Brundage officiating.

Carol Lea Acker will be dearly missed, but her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

Memorial contributions are suggested to be given to Sutphen Mill Christian Church or to Accord Hospice.