Her journey began in Anacortes during the war, and later, her family relocated to Ketchikan, Alaska, where they contributed to the construction of a military base. At the age of four, Carol’s family moved once again, settling in Custer, WA, where she spent her formative years on the family farm. The idyllic landscape and the proximity to Dakota Creek allowed Carol to indulge in her passions for horseback riding and exploring nature. From an early age, she harbored a profound love for animals, particularly horses and dogs.

Carol graduated from Ferndale High School and worked a few odd jobs, before ending up settling down on a farm of her own just down the street from the family farm. It was there she raised her four children, helping them grow and happily running a little family-sustained farm all by herself.

After a long friendship through church, and getting to know each other, Carol and Del finally had their first date. Described by their family as living their “best life,” Carol and Del shared a profound bond, radiating love and happiness throughout their 15-year marriage, which sadly came to an end when Del passed away in 2008.

Carol’s family cherishes countless memories of their time together, from joyful camping trips and fishing adventures at Silver Lake to cherished holiday gatherings where Carol’s baking skills, canning expertise, and her famous meatballs were always a highlight. When she wasn’t immersed in the farm life, Carol found solace in the pages of books, often devouring an entire novel in a single day. She also delighted in the art of painting, nurturing her beautiful garden, feeding the wild birds that graced her surroundings, and engaging in puzzle-solving sessions with her loved ones.

Left to honor Carol’s memory are her four children: Brad (Traci) Bauthues, Paul (Denise) Barnes, Jessica (Ben) Ursu, and Day (Mike) Blumhoff. She will also be dearly missed by her brother, Darrel Barnes, and her beloved grandchildren: Brady (Courtney), Abigail (Jay), Kenny, Katelyn, Kerri, Willow, Trig, Kellen, and Gavin. Additionally, numerous nieces and nephews and her first great-grandchild, eagerly awaited, will forever hold a special place in their hearts.

Carol is preceded in death by her parents, Daynor and June Barnes, her brother Kenneth Barnes and his wife Joy, her sister-in-law Joanne Barnes, and her adoring husband, Manuel “Del” del Corral.

Carol was a strong, warm, kind, hard working woman. She always had a pleasant attitude no matter her troubles, and loved her family deeply. She was very spiritual and had a lightness about her that she exuded. She will be remembered for her smile, her love for animals, her strength of character and her love of family.

A private graveside service to bid farewell to Carol will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery on Wednesday, July 12th, at 2 pm. Following the service, a celebration of Carol’s life will take place at her home at 3:30 pm, where family and friends will gather to honor her memory and share stories of her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a cause close to Carol’s heart, such as an animal shelter or a local literacy program, in honor of her love for animals and passion for reading.