Carol Mae Gibler was born January 24, 1953 and passed peacefully to meet her maker in the late hours of July, 27, 2021. Carol truly lived a faith-filled life as a daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend. Carol loved Jesus and lived to honor Him– that cannot be understated.

She was preceded in death by both beloved parents, Craig & Esther Gibler, as well as her younger, feisty and adored brother, Stephen Gibler (2021), and her Father-in-law, Reverend Donald Russell.  She is survived by her husband and partner-in-love (and shenanigans), David Russell, whom she married July 24, 1971. She is also survived by her children, Jill Carisa (Russell) McKinnis, born 1973, and Aaron David Russell, born 1976, Son-in-law Jason McKinnis, Daughter-in-law Lindy Russell, Grandchildren Cameron David Russell (born 2002), Coen Paul Russell (born 2005), and Serafina Skye McKinnis (born 2009).  She is also survived by her older (also feisty and adored) brother Paul Gibler, and her younger (absolutely adored) sister Joy Abbott and brother-in-law Derek Abbott, Sister & Brother in-laws Phillip and Deanna Russell and Mark and Laurie Russell, as well as her Mother-in-law Rosalie Russell (age 91), and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins - each of whom she genuinely loved and spoke about often.

Carol enjoyed life and contributed life to others in many ways over the years, as her health allowed.  For work she was, at different times, a jewelry salesperson, greeting card representative, dental assistant, church administrator and secretary,  daycare manager, kid's camp director, and wedding coordinator.  In her free time she enjoyed singing in church, church volunteering in numerous capacities - including times of youth-pastoring and leading in music with David.  She also put her heart and hands into many hobbies - gardening, ceramics, sewing & crocheting, quilting, playing softball, skiing (White Pass ), van camping, traveling (PNW day trips, as well as a special trip to Russia),  swimming, cooking or baking or watching TV shows of the same. But, what she loved most, was spending time with her kids, grandkids, and extended family.  Time with family was the light of her life - the light to any of her darkness. She endured much darkness due to numerous health issues brought on by Renal Failure at the unfair age of 26.  Long-suffering, she pressed on past incredible unfairness, inconvenience, and ongoing pain to continue to “live life” through faith, family, community, and following doctor’s orders for nearly 40 years. 

Carol was, honestly, just a lovely human to be around. She somehow always held both a realistic and optimistic view on most things and was ever the encourager of others as well as being quite the supportive conversationalist – listening, accepting, never judging, advising, praying, and cheering you on to the next step in your journey. She was also full of wit (and a bit of sass) and loved sharing humor with everyone. Levity was medicine, in addition to her faith. Her presence was incomparable, and she will be missed immensely by all who knew and loved her.

In keeping with her wishes, her memorial is to be a celebration of her life and a tribute to her faith, where color, stories, and laughter find their way to the fore. Those wishing to honor her life and bless her family, please do this one thing - share a story, a photo or both here on this website. And, if you can attend her memorial on Oct. 9th, 2021, please RSVP and bring a favorite memory or funny story to share at that time as well. You may also donate to NW Kidney Centers who so graciously and wonderfully served her for many years. 

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