Carol Louise Cookenboo Key of Beaumont, formerly of Columbus, Texas, died at the Winnie Community Hospital Thursday, October 2009.

Carol was born in Galena Park, Texas to Carroll Charles and Elizabeth Rhoades Cookenboo on July 31, 1925. She grew up in New Gulf, Texas and graduated from Boling High School. In 1945 she married William Earl Key, after he completed his military service and graduated from college they moved to Fannett, Texas. In 1968 she had the opportunity to purchase the Style Shop in Columbus, Texas. While living in Columbus she became an active member of many civic groups and a true ambassador for the city of Columbus. Carol moved to Beaumont in 2007 and resided at the Atria at Collier Park.

Cremation is under the direction of Broussard’s in Winnie. A memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 1, 2009, in Broussard’s Chapel, 134 W. Buccaneer Drive in Winnie. Following the service, a gathering of family and friends will be at Hope Lutheran Church, 1322 9th Street, in Winnie.

Carol is survived by her daughter, Kathryn Gaus and her husband Donald of Hamshire; son, William Robert Key of Austin; son-in-law, Gary Kramer and his wife Linda of Crystal Beach; grandchildren, David Gaus and his wife Melissa of Labelle, Mark Gaus of Conroe, Karen Mills and her husband Brian of Beaumont, Kevin Kramer and his wife Shannon of Austin, Amy Daugereau and her husband Paul of Austin; sisters, Billye Heaps and Marie Price both of Houston.  Carol was proud to be the great-grandmother to Travis and Tyler Gaus, Elizabeth and Molly Mills, Beckett Kramer, Lauren, Cailey and Michael Slater; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Key; daughter, Janet Kramer; great-granddaughter, Katelin Kramer and sister, Ann Doud.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Columbus Community Hospital Auxiliary, P. O. Box 865, Columbus, Texas 78934 or the charity of your choice.