Carolyn Box

1941 - 2025

Carolyn Ann Box passed away Sunday, December 21, 2025, at her apartment surrounded by loved ones. Carolyn was born the first of five children to Varion and Fern Clark. Carolyn was born in Olympia, Wash. on November 9, 1941. The family moved several times throughout her childhood, living in Olympia, Wash., Palm Springs, Calif., Teton City, Idaho, Rupert, Idaho, Wendell, Idaho. It was a tough time for the family.

Carolyn graduated from High School in 1959. She met and married the love of her life, R. LaMar Box, on December 11, 1960. They celebrated 61 years of marriage in 2022. Together they raised three children: Shellie, Todd, and Kim.

Carolyn had several jobs as a young woman including JC Penny, Bank of Idaho, Box Heating and Air Conditioning, side kick to LaMar scheduling clients and bookkeeping. After retirement she worked for a few years at the Jerome Liquor Store. She loved doing anything where she could be with people.

In the middle of all of the jobs Carolyn and LaMar made a career as business owners of The Wrangler Drive Inn. With the help of some very dear friends, LaMar and Carolyn were able to expand on their entrepreneurial dreams and purchased the Wrangler Drive Inn in 1977. There was never a person who entered the door who did not become a friend. Over the 20 years, they employed many members of the community, including High School friends of their children. It was like a rite of passage to be part of the "Wrangler Crew". Carolyn trained many young people to thoroughly clean every part of the Wrangler. Some use her example as training for their own businesses. Remember the car-hop days??? This lifestyle made for a mostly happy and memorable childhood for their children. When they finally decided to give up their 24/7 work lifestyle and retire, they were able to do some traveling and spend some winters in Arizona.

Right up until the end Carolyn could remember so many of her customers/friends and their families. This was not only her work life, but it was also her social life where she connected with so many families. She loved that part of owning the business.

After LaMar passed in July of 2022, Carolyn was heartbroken. She lived at Grace Assisted Living for about four years, three of those without LaMar. We are hopeful that mom's loneliness is now gone and filled with reunions with friends, family and loved ones who have gone before her.

Carolyn and LaMar have left an amazing legacy in their three children, Shellie (Kevin) Coats, Todd (Kristin) Box, and Kimberli (Brian) Gessford; nine grandchildren; and seventeen great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the many people who have supported them over the years including a loving family, wonderful friends, and amazing neighbors. Shellie and Kim are forever grateful for your support and kindness during these tough times.

The family requests no flowers, however, they would love to hear from you in cards, texts, emails, and of course in person.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring. We are in the process of making those arrangements but do not have a date yet. We will post as soon as we have more information.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Carolyn's memorial webpage at: https://www.allvalleycremation.com - Search Carolyn Box.