Carolyn Powell Warth, 82, of Boise, Idaho passed away Thursday, August 24, 2023, surrounded by her family.
Carolyn was born October 2, 1940 in Montpelier, Idaho, to AJ and Grace Powell. She had two brothers, Bob and John. Growing up, family was an important part of Carolyn's life. Some of her favorite childhood memories are of going to Bear Lake to swim or ice-skate. They often went fishing and played in the snow. She was always willing to help her brothers, and cherished time with her dad, especially when he would read to his children. This was instrumental in Carolyn becoming an avid reader throughout her life, and with a smile shed say A Tale of Two Cities was her favorite book. She attended school in Montpelier, where she participated in the pep club, choir, cheered at games, and was involved with various humanitarian projects.
After she graduated from Montpelier High in 1958, she received her Secretarial Science degree from LDS Business College in 1960. She worked for the Salt Lake County Hospital in their budget office and later for the Sperry Rand Corp. In July of 1964, she met Ronald Jerome Warth, who played the drums in a band which was performing in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. They quickly realized they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, and on December 12, 1964, they were married in the home of Ron's parents. They both worked for Simplot in Pocatello, Idaho. In September 1965, they welcomed their first child, Bradley John. Together, they went to the Salt Lake City temple, where they were sealed as a family for time and all eternity.
In 1967, Gregory Ronald was born. They relocated to Portland for two years while Ronald worked with an airline, and later moved to Boise, where they remained for the rest of their lives. In 1969, they welcomed their third boy, Matthew Scott. Jeffrey Robert came next in 1971. After all those boys, 15 months later, they were delighted to welcome their first daughter, Janet Gay. They remained in the Boise Bench area and welcomed two more daughters, Lynne Miriam in 1974 and Caryn Joy in 1975. With a growing family, the need for a larger home took them to Reutzel Drive where they welcomed their last two children, Michael Theron in 1978 and Laura Sue in 1979. Living in this home, on a half-acre, provided plenty of room to raise all nine of their children.
Carolyn found great joy digging in the dirt. Her large yard allowed them to grow a plentiful garden and flowerbeds galore. Pink petunias and baby's breath were some of her favorites. She instilled her love for gardening and growing flowers in all of her children.
In the midst of raising a large family, many service opportunities arose for Carolyn, which she embraced with open arms and willing heart. She loved the Lord with all her heart and wanted everyone to know the joy that is found in following the Savior. Through numerous church callings, she served in the Young Womens Presidency, was the Relief Society President, and served as a Stake Missionary with Ron. It was through this service that their desire grew to serve a mission together. They were called to the St. George Utah Visitors Site Mission in 2009. They considered their mission one of their greatest blessings in their lives. As they shared their love for the gospel with others, their love grew, and they made lifelong friendships.
Holidays were always a special time for Carolyn because it meant gathering with her children and grandchildren. With often meager means, she had the ability to make each occasion feel special because of her love and tireless efforts.
Over the years, she put her secretarial skills back to use to help supplement the family income. She worked for Farmers Insurance, Alster Communications, Truss Joist and Alaska Airlines. She had a remarkable memory and took great pride in memorizing the different codes for each airport.
Carolyn enjoyed taking road trips with her family. As often as they could, they would travel to be with family in southeast Idaho, Washington, and Utah. She loved the Oregon coast and wading out into the waves.
After she and Ron retired, they both became actively involved in the American Legion and Womens Auxiliary, helping to serve others even more. They were passionate about what they felt was the greatest nation on earth.
Their love of singing led them to join the Hymns of Thanksgiving, where they participated in a large chorus with members of the community. She also enjoyed singing in her ward choir. Deeper into her years, and after the passing of the love of her life, she spent much of her time reading books, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and continued serving others as often as possible, in any way that she could. Oftentimes, this meant putting others' needs above her own. She had a kind, generous heart and wanted to help make the lives of those she loved even better through pen and paper. She was a true believer in greeting cards and loved sending them to family and friends. Letting her loved ones know she was thinking about them meant more to her than receiving gifts of her own. To Carolyn, everyone in her life was a blessing.
Carolyn is survived by her children: Brad Warth, Greg (Tammi) Warth, M. Scott (Janene) Warth, Jeff (Erica) Warth, Janet (RB) Erickson, Lynne (Steve) Ebert, Caryn (Chad) Rich, Michael (Aurelia) Warth, and Laura Warth. She is survived by all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Josh (Marisol, Alan & Sebastian) Chadwell, Jake (Jaxon & Briar) Warth, Joel Warth, Jayce Warth, Chris (Allie) Warth, Rachele (Mitch, Lila) Van Nest, Dalin (Ashlyn) Warth, Chandler Warth, Mason Warth, Cody (Melanie, Grayson & Delta) Warth, AJ (Kayla) Warth, Carson (Alejandra) Warth, Alex Warth, Spencer (Angelle) Erickson, Drew Erickson, Brooklynne Erickson, Landon Erickson, Kaidree Ebert, Carter Ebert, Owen Ebert, Ryan Ebert, Maddox Ebert, Corbin Rich, Aubrey (Brenden, Sidon) Charles, Ayden Rich, Kasia Warth, Hannah Warth, Dylan Warth, Hailee Smith, Zoeigh Smith, Kamden Hendriksen, Kaelynne Hendriksen.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ronald Warth, her mother and father, Grace Norman and AJ Powell, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, with whom she is now having a wonderful reunion.
Carolyn will be dearly missed by her family and friends, who are grateful to know that they too will be reunited with her again.