With heavy hearts, the family of Carol Ann (Powell) Cain, 80, announces her passing on November 7, 2024, in Yuba City, Ca. She was born August 1, 1944, to Gordon Powell and Marjorie (Streit) Powell.

Carol Ann was born and raised in Yuba City, Ca, with her first year of birth being without her father, who was fighting in World War II. She graduated from Yuba City High School in 1962.

She loved and took pride in being a "Honker," where she met the love of her life, Larry. They married on May 16, 1964, had two children, Carrie, in 1967, and Larry Jr., in 1971.

Along with being a stay at home mom, she also worked numerous jobs. From when she was young, babysitting, mowing lawns, cleaning houses, to bowling alley restaurant waitress, and having tons of garage sales.

Her professional career began working as the Assistant Clerk at the Sutter County Clerks Office, where her boss, Geraldine Hall, was so impressed by her abilities, she begged her to run for Sutter County Clerk when Ms. Hall retired.

Carol Ann ultimately declined, as her family came first. Later, her and Larry started an agricultural business, Valley Industrial Rubber. Which then merged with California Industrial Rubber Company, successfully running the company with Larry from 1985 until 2004, when they both retired. Carol Ann always took pride in her home and work. She was a master organizer, setting up office systems wherever she worked and at home.

Carol Ann loved traveling around the world with her husband, reading about history and her hero, Abraham Lincoln.

She was always up for a good game of pinochle, puzzles, horse racing, and gambling, as well as kicking back watching movies starring her favorites, John Wayne, and Doris Day.

She loved listening to music by Elvis, Etta James, Ray Charles, and Frank Sinatra, to name a few, and was always the first one on the dance floor!

She loved holidays, Christmas and Fourth of July being her favorite. Carol Ann loved the United States of America, holding a special place in her heart for our military and veterans, with her husband, Larry, U.S. Navy, her father, Gordon Powell, U.S. Army World War II, her brother, Hugh Powell, U.S Army Vietnam War, uncle Albert Powell, uncle Jack Powell, both in the U.S. Army in World War II, and her uncle Clint Powell, U.S. Army in World War II. All served honorably in our armed forces. She especially loved her family history, researching and learning about her family genealogy.

Carol Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Marjorie (Streit) Powell; her grandparents; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and family and friends.

She is survived by her loving husband, of 60 years, Larry Cain; two children, Carrie Brust (Jeff), and Larry Cain Jr. (Jana); six grandchildren, Elizabeth, Nichole, Jack, Scarlett, Harlow, and Kash; her brother, Hugh Powell, of Marysville, Ca; her sister, Paula Mescher, of Yuba City, Ca; and her aunt, cousins, nephews, nieces, and family, and friends.

A private graveside service will be held at Sierra View Memorial Park on December 5, 2024, following with a Celebration of Life reception given at 1 PM, at Peach Tree Country Club, Marysville, Ca., for all family and friends that wish to come and remember the life of Carol Ann.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to one of her favorite charities, Tunnel to Towers, or Wounded Warriors.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Appeal Democrat on Nov. 30, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Carol Cain

5 Entries

Kristina Martin

August 3, 2025

I was their housekeeper, and I was introduced to Carolyn and Larry by a friend. From the very beginning, they were some of the sweetest, kindest, and most fun people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working for. Cleaning their home never felt like a job—it felt like spending time with family.

Carolyn always greeted me with a warm smile and such a gentle, caring energy. She was the kind of person who lit up a room without even trying. I’ll never forget how she’d often have a cigarette in one hand and a glass of chilled white wine in the other, enjoying the simple moments of the day. Larry was always out running errands, and when he returned, he’d relax with a book on the porch or watch sports from his office. There was such a natural rhythm and peacefulness in their home.

Carolyn had such a beautiful spirit—she truly cared about others and went out of her way to bring happiness to her family and friends. She was also incredibly organized, especially when it came to her bookshelf. I was always amazed by how much care and attention she put into it. It reflected so much of who she was—thoughtful, intentional, and full of life.

I feel truly honored to have been a small part of their world and to have helped in any way I could. We were always happy to be there for them or to lend a hand whenever they needed something.

We will miss Carolyn deeply. But we celebrate the beautiful, joyful moments we shared with her. Cheers to her incredible life, and may her memory continue to bring us light and love.

Erin Sullivan

June 30, 2025

I am late hearing about Carol Ann's passing but want to offer condolences to her family. She taught me so much about work ethic and being successful. I giggle when I complain about someone stapling incorrectly (and correct them, of course.) I still think of her often. I only worked for her for about a year or so but she left an impact on my life. I still talk about her today and my experience at CIR. She made me learn how to type with a real typewriter on TRIPLICATE. I just knew I could do anything if I could do that. She treated her employees with respect and I will always remember her for that. I know she is heavily missed by everyone who she met.