Carol A. Wentz

Carol Ann (Welsh) Wentz August 8, 1936 ~ August 14, 2013 Some say death is final; it is not. Carol Ann Wentz, 77, left her earthly body Wednesday, August 14, 2013. Carol was born August 8, 1936, to Cleston and Opal Allen. Though born in North Hollywood, CA, Texas was home. This marked the beginning of life filled with challenge, but yielding strength and grace. Carol, the eldest of three, became the caretaker for home and brothers when her then single mother worked nights to support her young family. There were nights Carol put young brothers to bed without so much as a drink of milk. Opal later married Sam Bockman, who became the only dad Carol ever knew. Mom believed life would be easier, or at least ordinary, when she married in 1956. It was not. In 1964, home was suddenly uprooted and moved to East Wenatchee, WA. With kids in diapers, she took a job teaching at Sterling Junior High in East Wenatchee, at the same time going back to college to earn a Master's degree in Education. Three years later, she stepped into Eastmont High School, where she built a lengthy resume of teaching credits. Carol was Mrs. Welsh to her students. Because she was tough but fair, students completed her class knowing they received a superior education. She retired in 1994. The life and career Carol built in Washington mirrored her youth in Texas. She became a single mother, yet built a reputation as a person able to accomplish extraordinary things. Mrs. Welsh received her Administration Credentials from the University of Washington. The single mother of four with tenacity and persistence rose to the office of President of the Eastmont Education Association. She later served as President of Uniserve and was a longtime representative of the Washington Education Association. She learned to be a fierce negotiator and advocate for teachers and students. She was also a Future Business Leader of America advisor. The lady always so elegant on the outside would not be denied a good debate. Anything she believed in she became a spokesperson for. In 1985, Mrs. Welsh married Frank Wentz. Following retirement, they made their home in Mill Creek, WA. Carol, ever more elegant with age, substitute taught at college and high school in Everett and Seattle, even serving a couple years as department head at Roosevelt High School, before fully retiring, again. Her retirement years were devoted to traveling around the world with her husband and quick trips to grandchildren, wherever they were. Her final request to Frank, when she understood debilitating illness was upon her and home might not be a place of her choosing, was to 'visit me every day'. Frank did, for two and a half years. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Opal Bockman; a stepdaughter, Terri; and great-grandson. Fletcher. She is survived by her husband, Frank; two brothers. Bill and Don Allen of Texas; five sons and their families, Terry Welsh; Tim and Kathy Welsh and their children, Miranda (Andrew) Welsh/Cartozian, Megan (Adam) Campbell, and Caleb and Cody; Tom and Anne Welsh and their children, Madison and Davis; Ted Welsh and his children, Breanna and Steven; and John and Debi Wentz and their children, Colton, Katie (Austin) Schiefelbein, Vanessa Colo and Bethanie (Brian) Thompson; plus eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by Frank's sisters, Margaret (Bob) Birchem and Catherine (Keith) Mooney; and thousands of students worldwide. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. at Telford's Chapel of the Valley. Concluding Services will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Memorials in Carol's name are welcome at Providence Hospice and Home Care of Snohomish County, 2731 Wetmore Avenue, Suite 500, Everett, WA 98201.