Carol Ann Bantz, 93, passed away on August 7, 2026 at Methodist Mansfield Medical Center in Mansfield, TX. She was born on October 13, 1932 in Fort Worth, TX to Madison and Bernice Pruitt.

Carol Ann grew up in Waco, TX and graduated from Waco High School. After high school she attended college at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX where she received a bachelor’s degree in education and went on to obtain a master’s degree in special education from North Texas State University (now known as University of North Texas) in Denton, TX. She then began working as a teacher where she worked for many years. She retired after numerous meaningful years in the field of education and many children’s lives were impacted.

Carol Ann married Norman Omer Bantz in 1952. They were happily married for 53 years. Carol Ann was a member of the First Methodist Church of Mansfield. She was a dedicated servant of the Lord and was involved in various capacities with her church throughout the years including teaching Sunday School, participating in the Emmaus group and various prayer groups along with working in the church thrift store. She enjoyed traveling and trailer camping, boating, water skiing, working in her greenhouse and spending summers at Lake Austin.

Carol Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Bantz; son, Mike Bantz; father and mother, Madison and Bernice Pruitt; sister, Martha Holcomb; sister-in-law, Cindy Pruitt; brother-in-law Jimmy Nix and niece, Charlotte Barnett.

Carol Ann is survived by her son Ronnie (Linda) Bantz of Allen, TX; her daughter-in-law Missy Bantz of Lufkin, TX; her brother Paul Pruitt of Wilmington, DE; her brother-in-law Bill Holcomb of The Woodlands, TX; her sister-in-law Beverly Nix of Mansfield, TX; her grandchildren Amber Nichols and family, Brandon Bantz and family, Courtney Mercer and family, Rachel Vaughan, Kristi Taylor and family; and three great-grandchildren; and her nieces Rachel Pruitt and family; Paige Pruitt; nephews John Holcomb; David Holcomb and family; Larry Nix and family and other relatives.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Pat Jenkins-Lemons and Shawna Tilmon for their excellent care and friendship shown to Carol Ann through the past several years.