Carol Ann Schimmels

Sept. 14, 1948 – Feb. 8, 2025

Carol passed away at her Spokane Valley home on February 8, 2025.

The eldest of three children to Ted and Lucille Gregerson, Carol spent her early childhood years in Chewelah, Washington before the family moved to north Spokane during the 1950s. An exceptional student, Carol graduated from Rogers High School in 1966 and then earned her Medical Records Technician diploma at Spokane Community College in 1967. She worked as a Medical Records Technician for several years at local hospitals.

Carol met Mike Schimmels (Gonzaga Prep) during high school. Mike and Carol dated for three years before tying the knot on May 31, 1969. They had three children Shelly, Brian, and Stacie. The family settled in the Spokane Valley in 1975. Mike and Carol started Red Diamond Construction and Carol was the Secretary Treasurer for the business while tending to the children with loving care.

Carol was very artistic and enjoyed various crafts and even stained glass works. Her favorite hobbies included rooting for the Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball teams (both men and women) and taking care of her home of 50+ years. Carol had a green thumb ensuring her yard and many house plants thrived. She doted over and loved two dogs (Molly and Gracie) over her lifetime. She also cared for the neighborhood animals. The bird feeders were fully stocked and other animals (including squirrels, deer and even stray cats) were provided with a source of food during the cold winter months and beyond.

Carol was highly intelligent, had a wonderful personality and was loved by all who knew her. She was easy to talk to, incredibly kind, generous, and endlessly supportive of family and friends. Carol will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

Carol is survived by her husband of 55 years, Mike Schimmels; daughter Shelly Hess (husband Rod, son Dylan), son Brian Schimmels (wife Michelle, children Kaitlin, Andrew and Brittany), daughter Stacie Boyer (husband Geoff, son Laikin), sister Bonnie Couch (husband Vic), brother Ron Gregerson (wife Janet), five great grandchildren (Sophie, Aniken, Bodhi, Liam & Myla), as well as many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Carol’s name to the Spokane Humane Society and/or the Spokane chapter of the American Red Cross. Friends and family can email [email protected] for details of the March 1st Celebration of Life.