Carol Lee Rich

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Carol Lee Rich, age 74, of Ballard, passed away on November 6, 2020, surrounded by her family.   She was a woman of perseverant light that weaved through every aspect of her life. Her light infused the lives of each person she knew, as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, grandmother, and great-grandmother. 
She was born on May 5, 1946 in Roosevelt, Utah, to Verda Isabell Elder and Farrell J. Rasmussen. She was the youngest of 11 children. She married the dashing Clarence D Rich on January 13, 1967.
Carol Lee and Clarence have written one of the greatest love stories of all time. They fell in love in the 3rd grade and have been soulmates ever since. When Clarence was in the army, they lived in Germany. Carol Lee loved the German people so very much. On the way home from their activities one day, they stopped for drinks and she ordered milk. All the ladies laughed and told her, "milk is for the cats." She laughed right along with them. She was such a people person and had a great sense of humor, even until the end. Carol Lee and Clarence shared a rare bond of humor and joy with one another. One of the last things she said to him was, "did they pick you off the ugly tree?" She always saw the humor and light in those around her and helped them see it too. One of her most important goals in life was to bring joy to her children by doing something fun with them each and every day. She wrote this in her journal and held true to it. 
Carol Lee loved the church and served valiantly in many callings. She was truly an example of discipleship in her ministry, extending charity and the pure love of Christ toward all. She was not concerned with previous titles and accomplishments and instead looked on the heart. Because of this perspective, Carol Lee brought out the best in everyone. The Gospel was very dear to her heart.  
Music was precious to Carol Lee. She was a talented singer, pianist and guitarist. As a young woman, Carol Lee had the opportunity to perform with two friends on the Eugene Jelesnik TV show. She was a woman of many talents. She loved sports. She won dozens of trophies in softball, baseball and volleyball, and was a horseshoe-pitching champion. She coached many recreational youth teams, including her daughter's softball teams. She gave most of her trophies away to the young women and primary children in her ward, replacing her name with theirs. She was always trying to lift others up and fill their lives with light. 
All of her nieces and nephews thought they were her favorite. She loved taking them on special dates like ice cream outings and horseback riding with her horse Sarley. Many of Carol Lee's high school friends were intrigued by how smart this horse was. They could give Sarley math questions and she could paw out the correct answers. Little did they know that Carol Lee had trained Sarley to follow her cues. She always had a fun trick up her sleeve. 
Carol Lee was very tested with her health. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 33 when she was pregnant with her youngest child. This was a very trying time for her and her family, as she nearly lost her life several times. After being in the trauma unit for 21 days, with many people coming to say goodbye, she was asked why she was so happy. She answered, "because I've been visiting with my brothers." When she was asked which brothers, she replied, "Jay and Jesus." Jay was killed in WWII. She was clearly in very good hands. Miraculously, she recovered well and was able to actively raise all of her children. For many years, she lived a full and happy life, serving her family and spreading light and love in every possible direction. 
In 2011, she suffered a stroke and has struggled with multiple health challenges since then. In all that time, she has never complained and has remained unwaveringly positive. Even in the darkest of times, when she was surrounded and supported, she was filling others' lives with light. She is our angel. We will miss her deeply and look forward to the day when we will be reunited again.
Carol Lee is survived by her 5 children, Shelly North, Julie Orgill, Lori Moyer, Chad Rich and Amy David, along with 30 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Jack Rasmussen, Lynn Rasmussen, Reed Rasmussen, Merrill Rasmussen and Barbara Wolff. 
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ballard Chapel.  A viewing will be held from 9:30 - 10:45 a.m.
Burial in the Roosevelt Memorial Park.