Carol Kay Firestone was born January 1, 1937 in a small town outside Topeka, KS, called Dover, KS. She was the youngest of three children born to Ray H. and Velma (Sage) Firestone. She had two older siblings, Neil and Joann. The family moved to Topeka, KS, when Kay was 3 months old. Kay graduated from Topeka High School in 1955. She then went on and attended Washburn University in Topeka, majoring in Music Performance in Voice and a minor in Piano. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in 1959. She then began teaching music in two elementary schools in Colorado Springs, CO, for one year, and going on to teach music at the elementary school in East Lynne, MO, for 8 years. She then became the music teacher for Kinder Kastle, becoming the Harrisonville Christian School that formed in 1968. "Miss Kay" was the name given to her by all of her students. Along with teaching at school, Miss Kay has given many students piano and voice lessons, many of whom have served in music at church, as well as, teaching.
In 1960, Kay was married to Jim Schrock and moved to Cass County, Missouri. Kay was blessed with three sons: Mitch, Kelly, and Brian, all of the area. She has been grateful to enjoy her daughters-in-law, as well as, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. All of her family has been so dear to her heart and made her life complete by serving the Lord. From her testimony, we learn these words, "When I was little, I knew I wanted to know the Lord... I always knew this." In February 1962, she received Jesus as her personal Savior. She has since then been so grateful to be called a "Child of the King" and living each day in the Light of the Lord.
Kay also led music at the then newly formed church, Harrisonville Mennonite Church, now Harrisonville Community Church. Later, Kay was part of the Worship Team and music leader at Church on the Rock for several years. Kay's greats joy was to lead people in worship. A side hobby of Kay's was drawing and painting portraits and other art. Soon many commissioned her for portraits of family and friends. It was a joy to bring a face alive on canvas, especially children.
Kay is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Neil (Joy) Firestone; her sister, Joann (Jon) Schuenight; and grandson, Jonathan Schrock. She is survived by her sons: Mitch (Stacey) Schrock of Harrisonville, MO; Kelly (Alissia) Schrock of Harrisonville, MO; and Brian (Anna) Schrock of Butler, MO; her 10 grandchildren: Nathan (Ashli) Schrock, Aaron (Hannah) Schrock, Andrew (Olivia) Schrock, Marquise Schrock, Rachael (Cory) Yoder, Kenna Schrock, Tarin Schrock, Carolyn Schrock, Jiana Schrock, and Paula Schrock; and her 6 great-grandchildren: Charlotte, Jonathan, Emma Eli, Lucille, and Maci.
