Carol Close Johnson

Carol Ann (Close) Johnson of Spokane Valley passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 28, 2022. She was the first born to Elda and Carl Close on October 18, 1942 and lived her entire life in the Spokane Valley.

Carol’s early years, grades one through eight, were spent at St. Ann’s Parochial School; she then attended and graduated from Central Valley High School in 1960.

Upon graduation, Carol was hired as an office clerk for Purvis Construction Company where she handled all office and bookkeeping tasks. She continued doing office work in the construction field for nearly 50 years. During this time she was an active member of the National Association of Women in Construction and enjoyed many excursions organized by this group.

Carol excelled in ceramics and in later years did some woodcarving. The 30+ years she spent in ceramics won her a number of blue ribbons; she had a gift for mixing paints that caught the attention of many judges. Another favorite pastime was attending her daughter Betsy’s softball games. Carol was always there to encourage Betsy and her teammates; they recognized how important family was to Carol as she was ready with snacks to share at games, breakfast after sleepovers, or rides home if needed.

Carol followed other teams also. She was a loyal fan of the Zags, Mariners, Seahawks, 49ers, Steelers, and the Montana Grizzlies. These teams and her family have lost a loyal fan. She was there for all of us.

Carol was preceded in death by her father Carl Close; brother Tony Close; sister Tonya Close Houger, and mother Elda Pagnutti Close. She is mourned and survived by her daughter Amy E. “Betsy” Johnson, sister Pamela Close Dale (Lon), and her nieces, nephews, and cousins, along with their families.

A funeral service for Carol will be held Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 503 N. Walnut Rd., Spokane Valley, Washington. Following the funeral service will be an inurnment at 2:00 PM at Holy Cross Cemetery, 7200 N. Wall St., Spokane, Washington.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thornhillvalley.com for the Johnson family.