Carol passed peacefully on Valentine’s Day, reuniting with her husband of 53 years, Tony. Facing a late-stage pancreatic cancer diagnosis, Carol wanted to be at home and surrounded by family. Siblings, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends all came to pay tribute to a life well-lived and well-loved. Her courage facing death in her final weeks, paired with her signature wit, tipped the scales away from sorrow, toward hope and joy.
Carol was the third child of Helen and Afton Bottorff. Growing up in 1950s Omaha, Carol often described her childhood as the “real-life Happy Days.” Carol was a member of Alpha Xi Delta at the University of Nebraska when she met and fell in love with a young naval aviator, Tony. They moved to Southern California, where the couple added four kids to their family (in four years and five days!), later moving to Battle Ground, Washington. Throughout, Carol presided over a boisterous family home full of love and every type of pet under the sun. Carol’s love for animals led her to become involved in the local 4-H club, teaching local schoolkids about the joy of pet ownership. Once her own kids were mostly grown, Carol started a successful career in Clark County real estate over 30-plus years. Her lasting friendships with countless clients are a testament to Carol’s dedication and skill. Following Tony’s passing in 2019, Carol relocated to Ferndale, Washington, to be closer to her daughter Ann’s family, and to forge new friendships with her neighbors at Woods Point.
Carol is survived by her siblings, Joan (John) Yokel of Omaha, Nebraska, and Dick (Sue) Bottorff of Lexington, Kentucky; daughter, Ann Vallee (Mark) of Bellingham, Washington; son, Mike (Michelle McEttrick) Eggers of London, United Kingdom; daughter, Lisa (Steve) Stanish of Seldovia, Alaska; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous lifetime friends. Carol was preceded in death and was looking forward to being reunited with her beloved husband, Tony, her elder son, Mark, and armloads of furry friends.
A memorial service for Carol will be scheduled in due course and will take place in Vancouver, Washington.
