March 22, 1944 — May 9, 2026
Carol Lee Edwards Lambertz, 82, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026. She was born on March 22, 1944, in Enid, Oklahoma, to Minnie Adele Edwards and Howard Henry Edwards.
Enid was not simply where Carol lived — it was the center of her entire life. She loved her hometown deeply and devoted herself wholeheartedly to its people, schools, churches, organizations, and traditions. Carol represented the very best of Enid: gracious, compassionate, civic-minded, and endlessly giving. Whether volunteering, mentoring children, supporting downtown initiatives, fundraising for important causes, or simply showing up for friends and neighbors in times of need, she was a valued and dedicated citizen whose impact could be felt throughout the community she cherished so dearly.
Carol graduated from Enid High School in 1962 and went on to attend Phillips University, where she graduated in 1966. Following graduation, she married the love of her life, Richard H. "Dick" Lambertz. Together, they built a life rooted in family, faith, friendship, and service to the Enid community.
Carol began her career as a fourth-grade teacher at Garfield Elementary, a role that reflected her lifelong love for children and education. She later spent many years as a substitute teacher and after-school mentor through the Presbyterian Church. She also served as a Blue Bird and Camp Fire leader, touching the lives of countless young people with her warmth, encouragement, and steady presence.
Following Dick's passing in 1999, Carol helped close the family business, Lambert's, which had long been a beloved part of downtown Enid.
Carol was a devoted member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and was deeply involved in many civic, charitable, and community organizations throughout her life. She served several terms as president of Chapter FA, P.E.O. and volunteered her time and talents with the American Red Cross, Community Development Support Association (CDSA), Loaves and Fishes, and St. Joseph Catholic School. She was also a member of Junior Welfare League and served on the original board of Enid Main Street, where she could often be found climbing ladders and hanging lights in downtown Enid during the holidays.
An avid golfer, Carol was a proud member of the Oakwood Women's Golf Association. She also loved knitting and adored her Maltese dogs.
Carol had an extraordinary gift for friendship. She made every person she encountered feel valued, loved, and important. Her kindness and generosity touched countless lives. Carol treasured time spent with dear friends around the card table. She also loved traveling the world with friends and especially cherished faith-centered trips alongside priests and fellow parishioners.
Her devotion to family was unmatched. In fifth grade, her daughter proudly nominated her for "Mother of the Year," an honor that perfectly reflected the way Carol cared for and nurtured those around her. One of her favorite traditions in later years was helping select the recipient of the Dick Lambertz Memorial Award at the annual United Way meeting.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Minnie and Howard Edwards; her beloved husband, Dick Lambertz; her parents-in-law, Adolph and Catherine Lambertz; her uncle and aunt, Harold and Pauline Edwards; and her uncle, Estelle Edwards.
She is survived by her children, Mark Lambertz and wife Ann of Overland Park, Kansas; Gant Lambertz and wife Shelly of Oklahoma City; and Brooke Lambertz of Overland Park, Kansas. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Joey, Jake, Alex, Zach, Loren, and Mac; her sister Cheryl Watson and husband Salty of Austin, Texas; nephews Matt and Brad; and numerous great-grandchildren, great-nephews, and great-nieces who adored her.
Carol's life was defined by faith, compassion, generosity, and love for others. Her legacy lives on not only in her family, but in the countless people, organizations, and corners of Enid that are better because she was part of them.
You are invited to celebrate Carol's life during a Wake on Thursday, June 18, at 6:00 p.m. at Henniger-Hinson Funeral Home and a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, June 19, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Rev. Alex Kroll and Mark Mason will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Carol's memory may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School, United Way of Enid, or Our Daily Bread.
