Carol Johnson

1938 - 2025

Carol Johnson passed away on October 20, 2025, after a brief illness, complicated by dementia. She lived a life rich in family, friendship, and faith.

Born in Willmar, Minnesota, to Paul and Josie (Thoen) Winden, Carol grew up during World War II and the post-Depression years but remembered her rural Minnesota childhood as idyllic. She had fond memories of playing in the river near her grandparents' home with cousins, running with her older brothers, walking in the snow to school (a one-room schoolhouse), and showing her sheep at the county fair.

In her teens, Carol's family moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she starred in her high school's production of Alice in Wonderland, played French horn in both band and orchestra, worked as a carhop at the local drive-in, and met her future husband, Talton (Tal) Johnson, in geometry class.

After graduating in 1956, she attended Augustana College, studying music. She and Tal married in 1958 and soon started a family. Later, she earned her Dental Assistant certification, enjoying a 30+ year career in dental and orthodontic offices.

In 1968, Carol and Tal moved their young family to Washington state, settling in Snohomish near Tal's brother. The two families enjoyed spending time together, and with five children each, gatherings were full of food, laughter, and a little mischief. Sunday drives after church - often ending with ice cream - became a family ritual and lifelong pleasure for Carol.

Carol and Tal moved to Camano Island in 1990, with plans to retire there. Carol enjoyed the views of Puget Sound, Whidbey Island, Mount Baker, and each sunset. Carol loved to host family and friends, regularly trying out new recipes. Gatherings usually included an after-dinner walk to the beach. Holidays were especially meaningful, particularly Christmas Eve, and were filled with traditions from Carol's Norwegian heritage that the family will carry on. Carol cherished her role as "Grandma," and adored her grandchildren, rarely missing their activities and making every visit special.

Faith was central throughout Carol's life. A lifelong Lutheran, she was baptized at Grace Lutheran (Dawson, MN), married at First Lutheran (Sioux Falls, SD), and later attended Christ the King (Snohomish), Ebenezer (Lake Stevens), and Our Savior's (Issaquah). Carol valued the fellowship at church and gave back with her time and talents. She hosted Bible studies, assisted with Sunday school and youth groups, served thousands of pancakes at Easter breakfasts, and sang in the church choir well into her later years.

After Tal's dementia diagnosis, the couple moved to Providence Point in Issaquah in 2012. Married for 62 years, they remained devoted until Tal's passing in 2020. Carol later moved to an assisted living community in Seattle and then to an adult family home, where she passed peacefully, surrounded by family and caregivers. Her family extends heartfelt thanks to all who helped care for Carol these past few years, especially, Magnolia Best Care AFH and Kline Galland Hospice in her last days.

Carol is preceded in death by her parents, her doting brothers: Arthur Ellsworth, Kenneth, and Paul; and her loving husband, Tal. Carol is survived and will be dearly missed by her children: Kellie (Alan) Harbine, Greg (Kristin) Johnson, Karin (Chris) Bippley, Brad Johnson, and Andrea (Jeremy) Dorsey; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren (GG's joy); two step-grandchildren; and many cherished relatives and lifelong friends, including "The Breakfast Club" - Linda, Joan, and Sheila.

A memorial service honoring both Carol and Tal will be held Sunday, November 16, at 1:30 p.m. at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 2111 117th Ave NE, Lake Stevens, WA. All who knew Carol and Tal are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ebenezer Lutheran Church or Kline Galland Hospice.