Carol Torpen, 90

Carol (Harshbarger) Torpen, 90, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2024, at the Columbia Falls Veterans home. 

She was born in Antelope, to John and Mattie Harshbarger. She grew up on the family farm outside of Antelope. She then met her husband Chester Torpen and they were married in 1954. They moved to a few different places in Montana, until settling in Martin City. Where she lived most of her life. 

Carol enjoyed many different projects, knitting, sewing, crocheting, quilting and selling Avon and Artex products. She loved crafting so much that she opened up her own craft shop (Carol’s Yarn Basket). She was involved in many activities and clubs. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, Martin City Fire Department and Hungry Horse Church. She enjoyed baking for the Firehall bake sales, playing cards and bible studies. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mattie Harshbarger; husband, Chester Torpen; daughter, Cora; son-in-law, Henry Hoye; sisters, Madlyn, Jane, Minnie, Elizabeth, Lone, Evelyn, Bessie, Bonnie and Gloria; brothers, Joe, Shep, Jim, Robert, Galen and Vincent. 

She is survived by her sister, Ann Carter; three children, Tom (Kim), Scott (Connie), and Laurel (Ray); grandkids, Jamie (Mark) Tieden, Amy (Beau) Orem, Torri (Bryce) Dayley, Cassidy (Casey) Katofsky, Ashley Lyman, and Jessica (Bryon) Nelson; and great-grandkids, Treysen, Branden, Issac, George, Henry, Madison, Blake, Ellie, Hunter, Jordan and Theo.  

A memorial celebration will be held at a later date this summer at the Martin City Fire Department. We want to give special thanks to the Columbia Falls Veterans Home for taking such good care of Carol (Mom).