Edith May Carroll

Born (June 16, 1932) and raised in Paso Robles, Edith and her twin sister Ella were the youngest of Mary and John Givens' five children (John, George, Rita, Edith and Ella).

Edith was a daughter, sister, wife, friend and mother before she passed from this earth. Her greatest honor was to be married to Donald J. Carroll for 67-plus years. Their love for each other ran deep, raising four children and many four-legged creatures over the years. Edith met her dance partner turned husband, Donald, at Poly Royal in 1951. They were smitten from that first dance. They married in 1952 and welcomed their first child James Lester in 1953, followed by Mary Lynn in 1955, Donald Joseph Jr. in 1956 and a welcomed surprise in 1965 with William Dean.

She was a stay at home mom, the role brought with it many rewards and long days. Supervising the many animals on the small ranch and watching birds filled her days, until the children arrived home from school. When the children were old enough to take care of themselves, she ventured out into the world of volunteering for Meals on Wheels, among other community oriented organizations. She alone was honored for her 20 years as a Red Cross volunteer, for her involvement with blood drives and other disaster relief programs.

As a team, Don and Edith were unstoppable; their passion for community involvement did not go unnoticed and they were honored by being named "Couple of the Year."

Her faith in God was also a part of who she was. She and dad with children in tow, spent many an hour practicing our faith at St. John's Catholic Church and school.

After retirement, Edith and Don moved to rural Oregon. There, they enjoyed being closer to their eldest son (Jim) and daughter (Mary Lynn). They camped near and fished the many rivers of Oregon, especially the Rogue River. They both became avid fishermen. Edith's rose garden was beautiful and her roses dressed the inside of the church's pedestals for many years. Besides the outdoors, Edith enjoyed doll and stamp collecting. Mostly, they enjoyed having gatherings with family and friends.

Proceeded in death by her husband, Donald, in 2019, she leaves her four children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial will be held in Paso Robles in mid spring.

Published in King City Rustler · January 12, 2022