Carol Elaine Smith (Trueax), 78, of Garden Valley, passed away Saturday, March 26th.
She was born to Robert and Georgia (Ertle) Trueax in Bend, Oregon. The family moved to Weiser where her brother, Bill, was born, and then to Boise in 1948 where she grew up. The family later welcomed Janet and even though she was somewhat younger, the three siblings were great friends. Carol attended Whitney Elementary, South Jr. High, and graduated from the class of 1962 from Borah High School. Along with high academic achievements, Carol was a member of the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra where she played the viola. After graduation, she attended Boise Junior College. She married Sondley A. Smith in 1963 and had three children, Evan, Kyle, and Shannon. Throughout their marriage the couple lived in Greenville, SC, and Reno, NV, but they always returned to Boise. They later divorced.
Carol was very family-oriented and was constantly surrounding herself with family and friends. First and foremost, Carol was a mother. She leaves behind three children: Evan, his wife Lisa,
Kyle, and Shannon. She is also survived by her brother Bill and wife Rande Trueax, and her sister Janet and husband David Wilson; one grandson, Scott Smalley; and five nieces and nephews: Kenny Trueax, Brenda Stansbery, Ben Wilson, Marjorie Wilson and Joy Banner. Zack Zanders, her great-nephew, has been joined recently by four great-nieces: Raven, Lilah, Josie, and Wolf. Many pets had been a part of her life including her current kitty, Shermie, and Kyle’s dog, Emma. Carol regularly held family gatherings at her home and welcomed everyone's friends as her own. Carol was a loving and accepting woman who loved to sit and talk with her relatives and their friends, especially enjoying warm evenings on her patio with a glass of wine.
In her career, Carol was a successful businesswoman who worked her way up from an entry level position at Idaho First National Bank at the age of 20 to a Vice President of the Trust Department at US Bank where she retired in 1999.
Carol was an adventurer. She took every opportunity to see the world including multiple Caribbean cruises, visiting Greece, Iceland, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada, Argentina and Benin, West Africa, as well as many states, from Hawaii and Alaska to Massachusetts and Florida, and many others in between. The capstone trip was her 70th birthday “treat” to Africa where she joined her niece, Marjorie who was in the Peace Corps. Together the two shared Margie’s hut without running water or electricity and only a mat to sleep on.
Perhaps her most favorite place to travel was the Oregon Coast. For her 75th birthday, Carol drove herself to the coast on a solo trip, ignoring the concerns of her family who thought mid-
November was not the best time for travel. Carol was carefree and independent. She didn’t let anything, including her age or sense of direction, prevent her from doing what made her happy.
On her many adventures, if there was a casino nearby, that’s where you would find Carol. As soon as she entered the casino, Carol would suddenly develop the energy of a 21 year old, and
would stay up most of the night playing the slots. When morning came, she’d grab a cup of coffee, do her happy dance, and head back to the floor. Her kids liked to tease her with, “Mom,
you’re spending our inheritance!”
But, coming home to Garden Valley was always Carol’s solace. Carol moved from Boise to Garden Valley just before she retired and considered it her peaceful paradise. Long hours were
spent by her and Owen, creating a comfortable home and beautiful garden. During her years in Garden Valley, she became very involved in the local community. She was a member of the
Syringa Club, worked on the landscape committee at the Garden Valley Library, and was a member of the GV Fire Department Auxiliary. Early on, she volunteered at the school to help
young readers enjoy books, something she was passionate about. She was a member of the Senior Center, and a board member for Garden Valley Recreation District, as well as serving on
the board for River’s Point Subdivision. She also participated in several social groups, including her beloved book club and wine club. Her garden and yard were very important to her and she eagerly awaited the spring, chomping at the bit to buy some new plants and to share starts with friends. And as the birds came into her yard, she learned to identify them and participated in the yearly bird count. She would never turn down a game of Scrabble and spent many afternoons competing against Hank Gunn and Elaine Baker.
The family would like to express a special thank you to her son, Kyle, who stayed with her for the last few years, allowing her to live in her home in Garden Valley.
Carol is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Georgia Trueax, her partner Owen Crosby, and niece, Sally Zanders. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held for Carol this summer. Her friends in the community will be welcome to attend.