Carol Jean Morford Exline, 89, of Salina, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 4, 1937, in Topeka, Kansas, Carol was truly a firecracker. Each year, the United States celebrated her birthday with red, white, and blue, and she embraced the spirit of the day throughout her life—full of energy, warmth, patriotism, and joy.
Carol was born to Margaret Louise Fiske Morford and Glenn Devere Morford. She was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Cheryl Suzanne Morford Musick, and is survived by her brother, Dan Morford and his wife, Hitomi, as well as her steadfast husband, Jerry Kenneth Exline.
On May 25, 1957, Carol married the love of her life, Jerry Exline, at the First Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, Kansas. Their wedding reception was held at the Delta Delta Delta sorority house, beginning a marriage filled with devotion, friendship, family, and countless wonderful memories. Jerry remained her devoted and loving husband throughout their 69 years together.
Carol's greatest joy was her family and the time she spent with the people she loved. She was a nurturing mother to Kyle Ann Exline (Dan Boose) and Brock William Exline (Kathi Exline), and a loving grandmother to EvanAnn and Quentin Boose (Sienna Rahe), and Garett and Ian Exline (Priya), and a great-grandson Kiann Exline – a joy to behold. She treasured every one of their accomplishments and was always ready to step in when her children needed a vacation or simply an extra pair of loving hands. She delighted in craft projects, reading favorite books, celebrating birthdays and holidays, and, most of all, loving her grandchildren with her enormous heart. Carol and Jerry especially enjoyed spending winters in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. She loved walking along the beach, searching for shells, feeling the sand beneath her feet, and putting her toes in the water. These simple moments brought her great happiness. They also love sharing Florida with their family with yearly visits from her children and grandchildren.
Carol's involvement in education began in the Salina school district, where she served in many capacities. She was a room mother, volunteer, and active PTA member, and 10 years a substitute teacher, always eager to support teachers and students. Carol stated, “I am a life-long learner.” Those words beautifully captured the curiosity, dedication, and generosity that guided so much of her life. Carol was a proud Kansas State University supporter. She earned her bachelor's degree in teaching from Kansas State University and later pursued graduate education at Kansas State University Salina, earning a master's degree focused on nonprofit and foundation work. From 1993 to 1996, Carol served as director of the Salina Education Foundation. During her tenure, she helped strengthen the foundation's work in support of education and established an endowment to provide lasting support for its mission. Her vision extended beyond the immediate needs of the community—she wanted to create something that would continue benefiting students and educators for generations to come. Carol's commitment to children and families also led her to Child Advocacy and Parenting Services (CAPS), where she served as President. Her leadership reflected her deep belief that children deserved strong advocates and that families deserved support, encouragement, and opportunity.
Whether she was sitting beside a child in a classroom, volunteering at school, serving on a board, pursuing another degree, or creating an endowment for future generations, Carol approached every role with the same spirit of curiosity and service.
Service to her community was woven into the fabric of Carol's life. She held numerous volunteer and leadership positions, including involvement with PTA and Girl Scouts, where she served as a leader. She was deeply involved in leadership at First Presbyterian Church and was an active member of P.E.O., Salina Junior League and many other community organizations.
Carol was a passionate Kansas State sports fan. She cheered enthusiastically from the stands and from her armchair at home, always ready to offer encouragement—and perhaps a little help of her own to the referees. She also loved playing bridge, tennis, and spending time with friends. Her tennis team won regionals and went on to win USTA League Tennis Nationals in 1997, an accomplishment she remembered with pride. She was also a passionate spectator of her grandchildren’s sports or creative endeavors.
Creativity was another important part of Carol's life. She enjoyed quilting, wheat weaving, sewing, cooking, and crafting. She loved entertaining and spending time with friends through the Galloping Gourmet cooking club, Quilters Club, birthdays, holidays, and countless gatherings around her table. Her friendships were treasured, and she had a special gift for making people feel welcome and loved.
Carol's life was defined not by any single accomplishment, but by the love she gave so freely—to her husband, children, grandchildren, extended family, friends, church, university, and community. She was a woman who showed up: to cheer from the stands, to volunteer, to celebrate an accomplishment, to help when someone needed her, hospital visits, welcome a friend, or simply spend time with the people she loved.
She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, service, friendship, faith, family, and fierce enthusiasm for the people and causes that mattered to her. Carol will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those fortunate enough to have known her.
A visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Ryan Mortuary. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, August 31, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church, Salina. A private burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Kansas State Arts and Sciences Scholarships or CAPS—Child Advocacy and Parenting Services.
The family would like to thank you from the bottom of their hearts for coming together to celebrate Carol Exline, a loving, giving spirit that will never die. All the best to you and yours.
Online condolences at www.ryanmortuary.com.