Carol Elizabeth Chandler was born in Spokane, Washington on October 11,1944 to Ronald and Cecile Chandler. She joined brother Perry and the family was complete. The family made their home in Orondo, Washington and Carol grew up as “Perry’s little sister” happily along the banks of the Columbia River.

Carol graduated from Eastmont High School in 1962 and then from Wenatchee Valley College with a degree in Art. She studied Interior Design at Washington State University and met Gary (Bud) while working at the Student Book Corp/Bookie. She thought he was cute and funny and their flirtatious friendship turned into a marriage of almost 58 years. They were married in Orondo on December 17, 1967.

The young couple moved to southern Maryland in 1971 for Bud’s job and Shannon was born the same year. They soon realized they were too far from home and moved back to Washington, finding a home they loved in Benton City. Ryan was born in 1975 completing the family. Carol and Bud enjoyed a quiet family life there, with lots of camping trips, kids’ year round sporting events and trips to the ocean.

Carol’s faith was very important to her. Even though she did not attend church or talk about it, her faith sustained her and gave her strength throughout her life.

Carol was a creative person and a home remodel provided her with plenty of empty wall space to fill. While having a picture framed at her favorite shop, she asked a fateful question “Do you ever need any part time help?”. As it turned out, they did-but with a catch. If she was willing to work without pay until she was fully trained they would offer her a job. Of course she giddily accepted. Within a few months she and Bud were the proud new owners of The Finishing Touch custom framing shop in Kennewick, Wa. It was there that Carol’s love of art, design and display all came together. She loved every second she spent at the shop.

She eventually incorporated her interior design skills, transforming the business into the Finishing Tough Design Services and offering her skills to her clientele. Working with their own furnishings, it was easy to bring in additional framing jobs by subtly pointing out that a particular piece of art would be perfect in that certain spot.

Years after closing the Finishing Touch, Carol had a space in an antique mall where she loved creating vignettes combining art work and accessories. Having her space look perfect was

important to her. She was known to sometimes price her favorite items especially high to keep her displays intact. I guess that’s why Bud and the bookkeeper just referred to this venture as “good, clean fun”.

Carol loved summer, and a perfect summer might include family gatherings and BBQ’s, quite possibly a class reunion, the Indy Car race in Portland and a trip to the ocean with stops for antique shopping and wine tasting along the way.

Bud and Carol always had an upcoming concert to look forward to. Maybe 3 or 4 if Neil Diamond was on tour. Her relationship with Bud began and remained flirtatious. Their 58 years together was not nearly enough. Losing him was devastating and she missed him terribly. He was her hero.

Carol had a close and loving relationship with Shannon and Ryan. It was unique to each, and equal to both. She felt a deep love, admiration and appreciation for them both. She felt blessed that the family grew to include son-in-law RJ Miles and daughter-in-law Stacy Sizemore.

Carol had a gift for making every day more beautiful. Her thoughtful details could turn something simple into something special. She took pleasure in making her home comfortable and welcoming for her family. Her presence will be greatly missed by all of us. She leaves behind five grandkids that brought her great joy; The Miles Boys – Very Favorite Grandson Nathan, Very Favorite Grandson Matthew and Very Favorite Grandson Sean, as well as Very Favorite Grandson Brayden Wells and Very Favorite Granddaughter Katey Sizemore. She was just beginning to enjoy her great granddaughter, Riley and great grandson Wylder. She will be missed by Nathan’s wife Katie, and Matt’s wife Marida, as well as other friends and family.

Carol is survived by brother and sister-in-law Perry and Linda Chandler, sister-in-law Charolette Harper, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Carol was known to be tough and never complained, but losing the love of her life in September was too much. She wanted to be with Bud again. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 11 at Kadlec Hospital.

A Remembrance of Carol’s life will be held at a later date at the very home in Benton City that she and Bud enjoyed for over 50 years.