Leda Carolyn "Carol" Skinner (Hunt), born on April 21, 1934, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026, at her home in Roseville, California, surrounded by her loving family. She was 91 years old.
Carolyn's early life was shaped by the wide skies and open fields of rural Idaho. At the age of five, her family moved from the city to a forty-acre potato farm, in the Idaho Falls countryside, where she found joy and purpose working alongside her father. The fourth of five children, she cherished her two brothers and two sisters deeply and maintained close bonds with them throughout her life.
From a young age, Carolyn radiated warmth and energy. She was spirited, social, and full of promise. Her love for school was matched only by her passion for music. She delighted in singing and gathering with friends, often taking center stage in high school musicals where she played leading roles. Her beauty and charisma were recognized when she was crowned a beauty queen and later named runner-up in a major pageant at the San Francisco Cow Palace in the late 1950s.
Carolyn married her high-school sweetheart, Jay Skinner, beginning a remarkable journey of seventy-two years filled with devotion, laughter, and shared purpose. Together they raised seven children: Alan, Dale, Mike (Paula), Susan Masters (Justin), Michelle Shea (SeVern), Mark (Carie), and Diane Gullion. Their home was a place of music, faith, and unconditional love.
Even as a young mother with several children, Carolyn continued to nurture her musical talents. She performed with the Berkeley Light Opera and was once offered an opportunity to sing professionally—a path she ultimately declined in favor of staying close to her family. Her voice remained a gift to many as she sang heartfelt solos at church services and community events throughout her life.
A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Carolyn's life reflected her deep faith in Jesus Christ. Her loyalty and optimism were unwavering; Jay often said she was the most positive person he had ever known. In times of difficulty, she offered comfort and strength to those around her with grace and assurance.
In her mid-sixties, Carolyn discovered a new passion: golf. Inspired by friends, she embraced the sport with characteristic enthusiasm. Throughout her adult life she also enjoyed sewing, baking, oil painting, gardening, flowers, nature walks—anything that allowed her to create beauty or care for others.
Her radiant smile, quick wit, and unforgettable laugh brought joy to all who knew her. She found happiness in singing, being surrounded by family—and perhaps indulging in a bit of shopping now and then.
Carolyn's legacy lives on through her seven children; 34 grandchildren; 59 great-grandchildren—with three more on the way—and all those whose lives were touched by her kindness and light.
Her life was a testament to faith, music, loyalty, family, and love—a life lived with joy, devotion, and an open heart.
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her. A Celebration of Life will be held on March 21, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 01:30 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1240 Junction Blvd, Roseville, CA 95678. Internment (for family) at 10 am March 21st, prior to the Celebration of Life, at Roseville Cemetary, 421 Berry St., Roseville CA
Carolyn's early life was shaped by the wide skies and open fields of rural Idaho. At the age of five, her family moved from the city to a forty-acre potato farm, in the Idaho Falls countryside, where she found joy and purpose working alongside her father. The fourth of five children, she cherished her two brothers and two sisters deeply and maintained close bonds with them throughout her life.
From a young age, Carolyn radiated warmth and energy. She was spirited, social, and full of promise. Her love for school was matched only by her passion for music. She delighted in singing and gathering with friends, often taking center stage in high school musicals where she played leading roles. Her beauty and charisma were recognized when she was crowned a beauty queen and later named runner-up in a major pageant at the San Francisco Cow Palace in the late 1950s.
Carolyn married her high-school sweetheart, Jay Skinner, beginning a remarkable journey of seventy-two years filled with devotion, laughter, and shared purpose. Together they raised seven children: Alan, Dale, Mike (Paula), Susan Masters (Justin), Michelle Shea (SeVern), Mark (Carie), and Diane Gullion. Their home was a place of music, faith, and unconditional love.
Even as a young mother with several children, Carolyn continued to nurture her musical talents. She performed with the Berkeley Light Opera and was once offered an opportunity to sing professionally—a path she ultimately declined in favor of staying close to her family. Her voice remained a gift to many as she sang heartfelt solos at church services and community events throughout her life.
A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Carolyn's life reflected her deep faith in Jesus Christ. Her loyalty and optimism were unwavering; Jay often said she was the most positive person he had ever known. In times of difficulty, she offered comfort and strength to those around her with grace and assurance.
In her mid-sixties, Carolyn discovered a new passion: golf. Inspired by friends, she embraced the sport with characteristic enthusiasm. Throughout her adult life she also enjoyed sewing, baking, oil painting, gardening, flowers, nature walks—anything that allowed her to create beauty or care for others.
Her radiant smile, quick wit, and unforgettable laugh brought joy to all who knew her. She found happiness in singing, being surrounded by family—and perhaps indulging in a bit of shopping now and then.
Carolyn's legacy lives on through her seven children; 34 grandchildren; 59 great-grandchildren—with three more on the way—and all those whose lives were touched by her kindness and light.
Her life was a testament to faith, music, loyalty, family, and love—a life lived with joy, devotion, and an open heart.
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her. A Celebration of Life will be held on March 21, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 01:30 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1240 Junction Blvd, Roseville, CA 95678. Internment (for family) at 10 am March 21st, prior to the Celebration of Life, at Roseville Cemetary, 421 Berry St., Roseville CA
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of (Leda) Carolyn Skinner, please visit our flower store.
(Leda) Carolyn Skinner's Guestbook
Visits: 59
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors