Carol Roark Obituary

CAROL L. ROARK
June 12, 1940 ˜ February 8, 2022

Our beloved Auntie Carol passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 8, in the comfort of her home in Ridgefield, WA. Carol was born June 12, 1940, in Portland, OR, to Clarence and Florence Olson. She attended Lincoln High School with her older sister, Shirley Myers. Folklore has it that she was a free spirit, a rebel of sorts, while growing up. That independent spirit and fire soon motivated her to be the first college graduate in the family. In 1962 she graduated with Honors and a Bachelor Degree in Mathematics from Oregon State University.
Upon graduation, Carol was recruited by Rockwell International and moved to Cypress, CA. At Rockwell she was assigned to the Aerospace Division as a computer programmer. Her first project...building the Apollo Spaceship that, in 1969, landed the first man on the Moon. Carol remained employed at Rockwell until her retirement in 1994. As young nephews and niece, we were always excited to visit our Auntie in California because she would let us do whatever we wanted, knowing she would never tell our parents because...what happens in Cyprus with Auntie Carol stays in Cyprus!
In 1995, Carol began her next stage in life, moving to Ridgefield, WA, where she and her best friend and sister purchased what the family affectionately referred to as “The Funny Farm.” Given Auntie Carol had never had dirt under her fingernails nor had she raised any animals, it was a long-shot that she would embrace this new life on The Farm. She would be tasked with helping raise and care for the early morning jarring bray from “Oops” the donkey and from “Thunder” the miniature horse; help groom 4 nonconforming goats to show at the County fair (knowing full well that they place last every year); care for the half dozen chickens and a plethora of dogs, cats and birds. Surprisingly, Carol not only embraced this new life, it quickly became the joy of her life. She remained a Country Girl and was blessed to pass on The Funny Farm.
Carol was an amazing person, Intelligent, quick-witted, principled and above all she was the most thoughtful, caring and generous aunt, sister, daughter and friend to many. Not one birthday, anniversary or special annual event would pass without a thoughtful card or phone call from her. We will all miss talking Seahawks football; picking fruit and vegetables with her from her garden; talking about world events; helping her around The Farm; but most of all, we will miss her amazing smile and unconditional love for her family and friends.
At her request, there will be no funeral. Interment will be by her sister, Shirley, at Skyline Memorial Gardens. A gathering to share memories of her life will be held at her house in Ridgefield, WA, between 1:00 and 3:00 on March 27.
Please share a memory @ www.columbian.com/obits