Carol Jean Wetzsteon

MISSOULA — Carol Jean Wetzsteon, grandmother, mother, sister, auntie, companion, friend ... passed away suddenly and peacefully in her home Monday, April 1, 2013. She will be greatly missed by those who were blessed to know her in this life. She was a treasure of a woman: inspiring, guiding, mentoring, giving unconditionally to all those she loved. She had a heart of gold with a gentle, compassionate filled soul that carried her through many obstacles and adventures in her lifetime here on Earth.

Carol was born on May 28, 1948, in Hamilton to Florence and Clifford Wetzsteon. The Wetzsteons were some of the very first settlers in the Bitterroot Valley, originating in the Sula area. They lived on the family ranch for many happy years together. Carol took pride in her family name and roots, and truly cherished the lifestyle and memories of being a rancher's daughter. She continued throughout her life to love and respect the land, and all of its big and little creatures until the very end. Carol's many different homes over the years emulated this love for nature, immaculate with decor and creation.

As a young girl, Carol moved from the Bitterroot Valley to Salmon, Idaho, with her two sisters, Donna (Villa) and Debbie (Richardson), along with their mother and stepfather Marvin Twogood. The family moved back to Montana, settling in Missoula, where Carol's three sisters, Cathy, Gail and Cindy, were raised.

During this time, Carol attended business school while raising her first baby, Jim Holms. Carol's grandparents, Edgar and Esther Brooks, were instrumental in helping Carol in her beginning journey as a young mother and adult in the world. She spoke of them fondly, cherishing the special bond between them forever.

Carol fell in love and married Spencer Russell, spending time in Germany while he was in the Army stationed there for a year. The family returned to Missoula thereafter, and ended up moving to Helena, raising their second child Jessica Russell, for many years.

Carol later moved to Condon, marrying David Stenhouse, spending many happy times in the beautiful Swan Valley together. She moved her way down to Seeley Lake, on her own, beginning a new career at the Seeley Swan Volunteer Fire Hall, a place she felt at home and treasured. Throughout her years in Seeley, Carol was involved in many different community outreach programs, one being the STEP program designed to assist victims of domestic violence. Carol's most recent employment was at the Providence Center in Missoula, continuing to serve those in need.

Carol is survived by her son, Jim (Judy); daughter Jessica (Brian); sisters, Cathy (Jim), Gail (Kim), Donna (Stan), Debbie (Phil); granddaughter Nicole; nieces Jackie (Andrew), Brandi (Daniel), Katie, Kelly (Jared), Courtney and Sarah; nephews Mac (Jennifer), Jeff, Kyle and Tyler. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Cindy.

Please come join us for a joyful celebration of her life, in Seeley Lake at the Fire Hall (200 Firehouse Lane) at 1 p.m. on April 20. Memorials may be sent to the Seeley Swan Volunteer Fire Department. Thank you all for your love and support, especially to her sister Cathy, her best friend in this world.

Read Carol Wetzsteon's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.