Carol Anne Obenchain

Carol Anne Obenchain, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, retired her earthly tent and went home to be with Jesus in the early hours of August 10th, 2024. 

Born in Chicago, Illinois, to Erik Folke Eriksson and Alice Eleanor (Engdahl) Eriksson on January 5, 1936, she finished her race at the age of 88. She is survived by her husband of 71 years, John Theodore Obenchain, two daughters, Rebecca Potts and Janice Eastman, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a brother, Gordon Eriksson. Her youngest daughter, Kristen Obenchain, preceded her in death. Other relatives and friends are too many to name, but all will remember Carol with fond affection.

Carol was 7 years old when her family moved across the U.S. from Illinois to Oregon where her father worked in the shipyards and used his woodworking skills in building cabinetry. It was there that her family welcomed the arrival of a brother for Carol when she was 10 years of age. She attended Evangelical Free Church with her parents and enjoyed participating in youth programs, especially summer camps at Black Lake Bible Camp. She learned to play the piano and became an accomplished pianist who offered her musical talents in a variety of settings that centered around the expression of her Christian faith. It was in one such setting that she was introduced to the man who would become her future husband. 

In June of 1953, upon Carol’s graduation from Jefferson High School, she and John were wed in Portland and began their married life. Following a move to Boise, Idaho, John was inducted into military service in December of 1953. He completed his service in September of 1955 and returned home where he and Carol settled to begin their family.

They were blessed with 3 daughters, the youngest of which preceded Carol in death. Carol devoted the next 25-30 years of her life to serving her family. She was a diligent homemaker, a dedicated wife and mother, a passionate gardener, a thoughtful neighbor and a faithful friend. She lived out her desire to show the love of Christ to every person with whom she crossed paths.

While a young person, she worked summers picking strawberries in the fields in the Portland area. Shortly after her marriage to John, she was employed as a telephone operator. Once children arrived, she worked primarily in the home. After the children were mostly raised and pursuing their life goals, Carol began working for the City of Boise’s School District serving hot lunch to Boise’s students. Over her tenure of 16 years, she faithfully prepared and served meals in the kitchens of Adams Elementary, Collister Elementary and Hillside Jr High.

She enjoyed many activities besides singing and playing piano. She used her skills sewing to make clothes for her children and other family members, even earning money as a seamstress for clients wanting tailor-made clothing. She loved being outdoors for picnics with family in back yards or public parks. She walked, hiked and backpacked covering countless miles in the scenic forests of Idaho and elsewhere. One summer Carol hiked the Chilkoot trail in Alaska with family and friends. She was in her element when planting and growing things, from vegetables to flowers, shrubs and trees. She was a landscape artist whose yard was the canvas she tastefully colored with beautifully arranged plants and flowers. 

In quiet moments, when she could find them, she would read from her Bible for strength and inspiration as well as wholesome and engaging stories for pleasure. She frequently made entries in personal journals to encourage herself in her daily walk with God and record special events she wanted to remember.

Her warm and loving character welcomed people wherever she went. Even in her final years, her mind clouded by the ravages of Alzheimer’s, she was often quick to reach out to hold someone’s hand and share a smile that communicated warmth beyond words. 

Though her departure from this place means she will be missed by many, her arrival in Heaven is a celebration that will never end.

As Carol’s surviving family members, we wish to express our profound gratitude for the compassionate care and attention Mom received from all the caregivers and staff of Overland Court Senior Living and Keystone Hospice during the past months. Your ministrations have been a comfort to us as well as Mom. We also want to thank Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel for their compassionate, courteous and professional support in the handling of all things related to the passing on to glory of our loved one.