Carol Lee Young

Carol was born in Portland, Oregon, on November 16, 1948, the second daughter of Donald and Mabel Smurthwaite’s four children. Carol grew up in Portland, where she had a wonderful childhood and made lifelong friends. She and her siblings were close, and they created countless memories together. While in high school, she held leadership roles and was a Princess on the Rose Court. She graduated from Franklin high school in 1966 and then continued her education at Brigham Young University, graduating in 1970 with a double major in elementary education and child development & family relations. While at BYU, she met the love of her life, Jim Young. Jim and Carol were married in 1969 in the LDS Salt Lake City Temple. They completely loved and supported each other until Jim’s passing in 2020.

Jim and Carol spent their lives in Keizer where they raised their children Jenny, Brett and Matt. Carol was deeply faithful and devoted her life to service within the LDS Church. She served in several positions and left a lasting, positive influence on those she served alongside. Her children often found her praying for others.

Over the years, Carol went by many different names: Daughter, Wife, Sister, Granddaughter, Niece, Cousin, Friend, Aunt, Sister-in-law, Daughter-in-law, Grandma, Teacher, Church Leader, Bestie, and countless more, but to us, she was simply Mom.

Mom was enthusiastic about learning and placed a high value on education. She spent her life teaching, her own children, in her church and in the classroom. Mom was a kindergarten teacher and when out, would always run into a former student who she was happy to see.

Mom was passionate about reading and could often be found with a book close by. She enjoyed gardening, her pond, genealogy, shopping, watching Agatha Christie movies, connecting with her family, friends and decorating her home. She was a wellness warrior her entire life.

Her children were the jewels of her crown, her family was her world, and she held them close to her heart. As she would always say, she “loved them to the moon and back.” No one could make her laugh like her kids, and we will always remember that sweet and joyful sound.

Carol is survived by her three children and their spouses, Jenny (Eric), Brett (Rachel), Matt (Danielle), her sister Susan, brothers Don and Tom, eleven treasured grandchildren and dear nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her loving parents and her sweetheart, Jim.

Throughout the years, Mom always held a peaceful acceptance of life and its ups and downs. She conducted herself with grace, benevolence, compassion for others and kindness. She was an example to us all. We will miss our dear Mom more than we could ever express. Her light was needed in heaven to make a path for the rest of us and there is no doubt she will have a shepherd’s pie and rolls waiting when we are reunited. All our love always, your dear ones.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped care for Mom during the final weeks of her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations of children’s books to your local elementary school.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 6, at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Church in Keizer, located at 1375 Lockhaven Dr NE.