Carol Ann VanHouten

Carol Ann Jacopi VanHouten passed away on September 29, 2025, at the age of 72. She was born April 13, 1953, in Fresno, California, the eldest child of Joseph and Rosie Jacopi, and affectionately known to her siblings as "The Boss."

Carol spent her younger years growing up on her family's dairy farm in California, before they relocated to Carlton, Oregon, in 1969. She graduated from Yamhill Carlton High School in 1971 and went on to study bookkeeping in college. She was a smart, organized, and compassionate person, as evidenced by her long career at Willamette Valley Medical Center. She began working there in 1972 and, aside from a 7-year leave taken upon the birth of her son, Ryan, continued there until her retirement in 2018.

On August 12, 2025, Carol and her dear husband, Ricki VanHouten, celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary. Beyond their marriage, the pair were best friends and true life partners. It was rare to see one without the other nearby, and they cherished the lifetime of adventures they took together. Whether that was a trip to one of Carol's favorite places along the Oregon Coast, a visit to see their extended family in California, Arkansas, and Missouri, or even the time they went skydiving, they were two very happy peas in a pod.

Carol was someone who knew a great deal about many things. She was a lifelong reader, her love of books cemented when she received her first library card at the age of 5. She enjoyed puzzles and game shows, and was a dedicated viewer of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. After her retirement, she became a bit of a night owl and would use the late hours to consume offbeat media and movies. She loved music and was a particular fan of Elton John, even traveling to Las Vegas to see him in concert.

As anyone close to her would attest, Carol was an excellent friend. She went the extra mile to nourish her relationships, with regular check-ins to keep up with the many connections she'd built across time and space. She took great pleasure in gathering with those she loved, whether they were friends, family, or the myriad of friends that became family over the years. If there were a party happening, Carol would be there, and if there wasn't a party happening, she would throw it. She took great pride in her Italian and Portuguese heritage and was known as the family historian. In 2019, she organized the Jacopi Family Reunion, which brought together over 60 family members from across the country, some of whom had not seen each other in decades.

She is already dearly missed by the loved ones she leaves behind: her husband, Ricki, and their children, Ryan and April. Her younger siblings Don, Sharon, Bev, Katie, and fellow bookend Chrissy. Her many cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. All those who were lucky enough to be her friends, coworkers, and acquaintances.

Carol was a purple lady through and through. She always had purple nails, wore purple clothes whenever she could, and for a while, she even had purple hair. The family invites those attending her memorial to wear purple in her honor. A Celebration of Life will be held at Macy & Son Funeral Home in McMinnville at 11:00am on October 8, 2025. Afterwards, she will be laid to rest on the same hill as her beloved parents. Anyone who knew and loved Carol is welcome to join.