Carol Winters, 77, known for her openness, laughter and love of people, passed unexpectedly Monday, May 14, 2018. As a seeker, she hungered for life’s mysteries. We bless her journey into the light holding those answers.
Carol Lynn Wolf was born April 9, 1941, to Joseph and Imogene Wolf of Pomeroy, the oldest of five children. She graduated from Clarkston High School in 1959, and leaves behind lifelong friends and a large ranching family from the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley.
Upon graduation, Carol married Patrick Montgomery of Dayton, Wash., and they set off to Washington State University in Pullman. Their journey took them into the U.S. Air Force with their first child, and she delayed her graduation to 1973 with a degree in English from Lewis-Clark State College.
After returning to Clarkston with her three children and East Coast college friend Rita Pakkala, she taught at Clarkston High School. Some of her fondest memories are as coach of the Scarleteer’s drill team and leading them to state and Inland Empire championships.
In 1976, Carol married Rufus Winters and into his family of six children in Battle Ground, Wash., where she lived until her death. She taught at a business college and later owned and operated two businesses (hotel and painting).
A top cause of Carol’s was women’s issues. She was a member of several organizations, including serving one term as president of the American Association of University Women.
As a lifelong student and through her fascination with the ancient goddess myths, she fulfilled a passion to obtain her doctoral degree in cultural mythology and depth psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, California. One of her pride and joys was her extensive library she carefully accumulated around those subjects and theology. Up to her passing she had been writing a book based on her thesis involving historical women’s issues in the context of her doctorate.
Her home was “Grand Central Station” any day of the week, and on holidays like “Early Christmas” she would host 50 to 100 people annually. Weddings and other events were celebrated at the infamous log house that her husband built on ancient Indian battle grounds.
Carol took great joy in mentoring her children and grandchildren in their chosen paths. She loved to honor tradition and encouraged the willing how to bring it to life. Her interests were numerous and wide-ranging, and often humorous and eccentric. Carol was the matriarch who stood out, left her mark and her love, as she was so loved.
Survivors include her husband, Rufus Winters; children Michelle, Andrew and Eric Montgomery; children by marriage Paula Spence, Melanie Winters, Lauana Weber, Tonia Gonzales, Wyatt Winters and Marla Caesar; siblings Fran Rowden, Mike Wolf, Pat Wolf and Christine King; 22 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Imogene Wolf.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. June 11 at Holy Family Parish, 1109 Chestnut St., Clarkston, followed by lunch at the new parish center.
Send donations in lieu of flowers to American Association of University Women, https://hudsonsbay-wa.aauw.net. Checks may also be left at the service.
