Carol L. Johnson died on Feb. 8, 2014 at her home in Hermiston at the age of 75.
While raising kids and working in the cannery, she then met and married Lyle C. Buck of Mt Vernon. Together, they had a son and daughter. They later they divorced. While continuing to work and raise kids, she passed on the horse knowledge that she had by attending many horse competitions with the kids. With most of the kids leaving home, she changed jobs and moved to Hoquiam, Wash., where she worked at a saw mill. After several years there, it was time for less rain and a job easier on the back. For a change away from the rainy weather of the coast she moved to Stanfield in 1979 and has lived in the Hermiston area since.
She attended Blue Mountain Community College, working toward the nursing field until a job and her love for horses won. Carol worked at Lamb Weston in Hermiston for several years before retiring in 1989 to focus on things she loved. She loved riding horses and participating in many events at the Umatilla Sage Riders. She loved horses so much that she started raising and breeding paint horses. She also enjoyed dogs, cooking, leatherwork, and making event ribbons. Carol was a life member of the Umatilla Sage Riders and had been a member of the Hermiston Eagles Lodge #2909 where she enjoyed playing pool.
She is survived by her daughters, Mary Miller, Lorie Graham, and Melody Buck Pitts, all of Hermiston; son, Lyle Buck, Sedro Woolley, Wash.; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A private family gathering will be held.
Burial will be in the Hawthorne Cemetery, Mt Vernon, Washington.
Those who wish may make contributions in Carol’s memory to the American Cancer Society.
Please sign the condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
