Carole Ellen Denton

Carole was born in 1949 in St. Louis, MO to Florence and Louis “Burr” Schiemer. Growing up in the small, idyllic community of Millstadt, IL, just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, she enjoyed both the simplicity of small-town life and the sophistication of the big city. She reminisced about being able to see from their home the progress of the Gateway Arch construction, where she and her family speculated whether or not the two rising structures would indeed meet in the middle.

Carole attended Southern Illinois University, graduating with a BA in Education, subsequently teaching K-3 in St. Louis public schools. From there, life took her to Brookings, Oregon where she continued to teach elementary grades in a small school on the Pacific coast. Again on the move, Carole would spend a brief stint in Phoenix, AZ, before landing in Quincy, IL, where she returned to school, earning a BA in Art History from Quincy University.

Carole then moved to Austin, where she worked at the Eagle’s Nest Gallery, later the J.B.Tollett Gallery, for most of the 1980’s. She would recall those years as the happiest of her “work” life. After her gallery work, she served Ginny’s Printing in various capacities from President’s assistant, to trainer, to store manager before retiring in 2001.

It was at Ginny’s she met her life’s love, Michael Denton. They were married in 1993 on a crisp, clear November’s day. Together they shared an enthusiasm for art, a love of cooking, reading, an affinity for crossword puzzles, and celebrating (anything) with champagne. They enjoyed long road trips where the destination was known, but the route was serendipitous. Along her path of various cities, employments, and interests, Carole made many friends she kept and cherished the rest of her life. She will be remembered for her strongly held convictions, and the warmth and care she brought to those friendships. She was a consummate hostess and her annual New Year’s parties are fondly remembered. And as she said many times, “You can never have too many shoes or a glass too full of champagne.”

Carole is survived by her husband Michael; her sisters and their husbands: Amy and Mohammad Bahmani of Edwardsville, IL, and Ann and Dr. Cal Hawkins of Springfield, MO: Sister-in-Law and husband Cindy and Randy Pardue, and Father-in-Law John Denton, all of Dallas, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews and close friends. She is predeceased by her parents Florence and Louis Schiemer, and nephew Drew Hawkins.

A gathering to celebrate her life will be held at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden. 605 Azie Morton Road, Austin, TX 78704 on Monday October 27, from 2pm-4pm. Family and friends are welcome. Additional information may be found at the Weed, Corley, Fish website. In lieu of flowers consider a donation to the SPCA, NPR, or Health Alliance for Austin Musicians.