Carol Elizabeth Wickham of Sterling, Colorado passed away quietly on June 24, 2016, surrounded by her brother, a close friend, and caring staff of Sterling Living Center. She was preceded in death by her parents: Francis Mathias Mentgen and Mable (Munson) Mentgen. Also a former husband, Melvin Wickham. Carol was born in Sterling on August 18, 1938. She is survived by her brother, Paul H. Mentgen of Sterling (with whom she resided during her final illness with assist of N.E. Colo. Home Health); and two cousins: Joanne Stone and Katherine Meldrum. Also surviving, is a close family friend, John F. Debetz of California. His calls to Carol offered her much comfort in her final days and were much appreciated.

Carol graduated from St. Anthony's High School and Northeastern Junior College. She worked for Kansas/Nebraska Gas Co. as bookkeeper, enjoyed homemaking, a bit of travel, and was very close to her mother. She faithfully attended mass with her father until his death.

While Carol was, by nature, a retiring person, she had a few very close and caring friends of many years standing whom she valued. She was an avid reader, enjoyed walking, morning coffee & donuts with her brothers, and especially bicycling about with another "pedal" enthusiast and longtime childhood friend! She liked to reminisce about the good times of her old Denver Street neighborhood's summer block parties. Carol rightly thought there was more "sense of community" among neighbors in that era…and feeling of safety for children. She had good memories of playing out late on a summer night, camping out in the backyard, Monopoly on someone's front porch with a pitcher of Koolade, 25 cent Saturday movies, and wonderful Woolworth's 5 & 10 Store to browse with one's weekly allowance! Humorously, she did realize some idealized memories of childhood were possibly definite signs of "aging"!!

Many may remember Carol as a dedicated friend to the homeless cats; one of whom she fed, rain or shine, at Wal-Mart, for over seven years! When it snowed heavily, she also scooped a dry space for the food! You couldn't get close, but he always was waiting for her! That's not "crazy cat lady"…that's humane dedication!

In the past, she fostered many kittens while owing many other lucky felines. Brother, Paul, is now caring for her surviving "cat family" of four: Blue, Pippa, Eddie, & Ellie.

A memorial will be Thursday at 2 pm, June 30, 2016 at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home with Deacon Ron Michieli presiding. Inurnment to follow at Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Carol requested contributions to the Sterling Humane Society or the Denver Dumb Friends League.