Carol Rose (Richards) McLinden was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on January 11, 2022, at the age of 87.
Carol was born to John Richards and Margaret Lang Richards on April 10, 1934, in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She was the second born of five children and the only daughter. When Carol was seven years old, the family moved to Noxon, Montana where she grew up and went to school. Carol graduated from Noxon High School in 1952. It was there that she met the love of her life, Patrick McLinden. They were married on June 27, 1953 and lived life to the full for 51 years until Pat's passing.
Carol and Pat moved to Spokane, Washington early in their marriage and it is there they raised their family. They had four children, Janet, Cheryl, Patti, and Steve. When her children were young, Carol was a stay-at-home mom. She had her first Avon business during this time. She became an Avon representative again in retirement and loved meeting new people. She was still actively working her business up until a month before her passing. Carol's professional life revolved around business and administration. She worked for Texaco, Safeway, and eventually retired from U.S. West.
Carol had the gift of hospitality. She had a way of making others feel seen and heard, making every event a party. She loved Christmas and decorating for all the holidays. Sunday dinners and birthdays were special at her house. Carol was a woman of faith and served regularly at New Horizons Community Church, Spokane. It was there you could find her serving coffee, greeting people at the door, sharing a hug and a word of encouragement. She loved Jesus and wanted others to know that love too.
Carol loved the color blue, was young at heart, and actively engaged in her life. She always had a bag packed, ready for the next adventure. Carol loved to travel, whether it was to Europe or a road trip to some unknown destination. In her later years, she moved to Fairwood Retirement Village. She truly enjoyed being a part of that community. A diehard Mariners and Gonzaga fan, she hosted many
watch" parties, always providing the popcorn.
Nothing gave Carol greater joy than her family. She loved fiercely and intentionally. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren each felt that they were her "favorite". She attended numerous recitals, soccer matches, cross country meets, basketball games, concerts, and plays. If her kids were interested in something, so was she. Many summer days were spent at their place on the Pend Oreille River. She loved the water and the family time it provided.
Carol was preceded in death by her mother Margaret Nelson, her brothers Larry Richards and John Richards, and her loving husband Patrick McLinden. She is survived by sisters-in-law Betty Richards and Ethel Richards, brothers Robert Richards (Rose Marie) and Tom Richards (Kiyoko) and children Janet Constable (K.C.) Cheryl Eberth (Ray) Patti Adams (Craig) and Steve McLinden.
She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Ray Eberth, Joel Constable (Rachel) Lindsey Toth (Shawn), Kayla Lavigne (Joshua), Jessica Hood (Aaron) Kelsey Alaka (James), Casey Adams, and Kyle McLinden, twelve great-grandchildren Aleah, Gabriel, Zoe, Anna, Jude, Kinley, James, Sawyer, Savannah, Charlotte, Vivian, and Linden. And many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and friends wo were like family.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, February 11, 2022 at Heritage Funeral Home at 1 p.m. Paster Randy Hood will officiate. If you'd like, wear blue to honor Carol. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Horizons Community Church Kitchen Fund or Hospice of Spokane. A heartfelt thank you to Vern and Sylvia Page and Hospice of Spokane who lovingly cared for Carol in her final weeks. We will be forever grateful for the fiends and family who spent time with her. She loved you all so much. Our loss is heaven's gain. We love and miss you, Mom.