Carol Varty Klain, 80

Carol Lily Varty Klain was born Dec. 14, 1937, to Forrest and Florence, the fifth of their 10 children at the family home north of Douglas, North Dakota. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Douglas. An early athletic highlight was being the fifth grade arm wrestling champion, later excelling in cheerleading, volleyball and half-court basketball as a graduate of Douglas High School.

Carol received her teacher’s degree from Minot State Teachers College then taught school in Coleharbor, North Dakota. There she met a handsome sailor recently honorably discharged. They were smitten from the start. Eddie and Carol were married in Douglas soon thereafter, celebrating their 61st anniversary this past June. They farmed a couple of years in Turtle Lake, North Dakota, and spent several years in Havre where their adventures included owning a bar. Next, they were off to the mountains they called home in Kalispell. Carol worked for the school system where she always loved working with children, learning sign language, teaching Sunday school and later becoming the Sunday school superintendent. This was in keeping with her first priority, dedication to her children Gina, Rhonda and Kevin. Working when they were in school kept her free to be a Girl Scout leader, a Cub Scout cookie maker, and either chauffer or attendee to their many events. Always first with an encouraging word or a plate of her famous chocolate chip cookies, her abiding devotion was endless.

Prior to Eddie and Carol retiring, they both were awarded the esteemed honor of Montana Moose of the Year, celebrating their years of volunteering. They spent their winters in Yuma, Arizona, closer to their children, appreciating good weather and activities galore. Carol enjoyed morning coffee with her girlfriends, afternoons filled with games, good friends, and pink happy hour wine. Summers were spent in Kalispell fishing, gardening, canning, camping and laughing with dear friends.

Carol left this world on June 28, 2018, into the arms of her beloved Savior in Fullerton, California, surrounded by her daughters and granddog Smitty. She was loved by all for her warmth, kindness, respectful way she treated others and was a wonderful friend to many.

She is survived by her dearest Eddie, daughters Gina (Morse) Olsen of Poway, California, Rhonda (Kent and Smitty) Harper of Fullerton, favorite son Kevin of Huntington Beach, California; grandsons, John (Heather) Olsen of Lemon Grove, California, and Brian (Logan) Olsen of Dallas; and spunky great-granddaughters, Chloe and Payton; sisters, Ruth (Arne) Tollefson, Bonnie (Fred) Martin, and Betty (Richard) Schlicting; and brother, Art.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Jeffrey John; sisters, Lois Schlicting and Dorothy Keller; and brothers, Alfred “Bud,” David and Bobby.

Join us celebrating a life full of purpose, laughter, love and a splash of pink, at 11 a.m. Sept. 1 at Calvary Lutheran Church, with a reception following at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Calvary Lutheran Church Community Bank or your local Knitted Knockers Chapter.