Carolyn Gay Messenger

Carolyn Gay Warner was born in Eugene, Oregon on March 13, 1928 to Henry Warner and Mary Burgess. She completed the 9th grade in Oregon, before moving to Spokane, Washington. As she would say she didn’t end her education at 9th grade, but was “self taught” her whole life. Carolyn married Orval Kienbaum and helped him with milking the cows at the dairy farm; before she became responsible for her own milk and egg delivery route.

Carolyn was a homemaker caring for her eight children; Pauline, Eloise, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Paul, Sarah, Coleman, and Mariam. Carolyn was preceded in death by her four children Pauline, Eloise, Elizabeth, and Mariam. Carolyn was also a school bus driver for the West and East Valley School districts.

Carolyn was an active member of Central United Methodist Church. She especially enjoyed volunteering in their children’s ministry. Through the church she met Elwood Ball. Ball and Dodd funeral home was a great support to the family through the loss of their children and her father-in-law Gus Kienbaum.

Carolyn stayed an active member of Central Methodist even after she moved to Kenton, Ohio in 1989; to be closer to her daughter Sarah. While living in Ohio, Carolyn met the “love of her life,” and married Calvin Messenger on December 28, 1992. Calvin went to be with the Lord on April 17, 1996.

Carolyn returned to the Pacific Northwest in 2003 to be closer to her children Rebecca, Paul, and Coleman. She settled in North Idaho, living her final days in Hayden at Maplewood Care Facility. Carolyn went to be with the Lord on May 18, 2022.

Carolyn was survived by her children Rebecca (married to Dale Fritzsche), Paul (married to Diana Kienbaum), Sarah (married to Mike Patton), and Coleman (married to Laura Carle). Carolyn had 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She was also survived by her brother Seldon Warner and spouse Kayoko and their 6 children and spouses.

The family would like to thank Maplewood Care Facility and Auburn Crest Hospice for their care and support.

Services will be held June 4, 2022 at 11 am at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church 13541 W Hwy 53, Rathdrum, ID 83858.

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