Carol Ellen (Foster) Dechenne

Carol Ellen (Foster) Dechenne, 82, of Bozeman, Mont., passed away April 5, 2022, from complications of Parkinson's disease.

Carol was born Nov. 16, 1939 in Ontario, Ore., to Edward "E" Harold Foster and Laura Ellen (Roberts) Foster. She lived in several towns in Idaho and Oregon, before moving to St. John, Wash., in 1952, where her father served as superintendent of the St. John School.

That same year, Carol met her future husband, Dale Dechenne, at a Methodist Youth meeting, and they began dating in high school. In 1958, Carol graduated as valedictorian of St. John High.

She married Dale in 1961 and earned her bachelor's degree from Washington State University in 1962. Carol taught fifth-grade in both Washougal and Bothell, Wash., before she and Dale moved back to the farm in St. John in 1965.

Carol devoted her life to her husband and her three daughters, creating a beautiful home for them and supporting all their activities.

Over the years she was active in the Junior Women's club, card club and the Methodist Church. For many years, she and Dale have supported Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Resonant Church in Pullman, Spokane County Jail Ministries and orphans through World Vision.

Carol served as co-chairwoman of the local Junior Miss Program and served on the Washington Junior Miss State Board. She and Dale later served as co-chairs of the state program. They also enjoyed traveling, both throughout the U.S. and internationally.

In 2014, Carol was diagnosed with Parkinson's, and she and Dale made Bozeman, Montana their permanent home to be near their youngest daughter and her family. Carol went to be with her Lord surrounded by people who love her.

Carol dealt with Parkinson's as she lived her life - she never complained about it, but instead worked to maintain her mobility and simply did not give up. She was a living example of her faith, and of strength, humility and love.

Carol was predeceased by her mother, Ellen Foster; father, Harold Foster; and step-mother, Ruth (Dickie) Foster.

She is survived by her husband, Dale Dechenne; daughters, Sue Ellen (Patrick) DeChenne-Peters, Sally (Chris) Bryant and Cheryl (Ted) Sheedy; grandchildren, Jessica Chantler, Heather Chantler, Justin Sheedy and Maddisen Sheedy; step-grandchildren, Megan (Dan) Bryant-Prosterman and Mike (Miranda) Bryant; five step-great grandchildren; brother, Bill Foster; and 12 nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the E. Harold Foster Endowed Scholarship Fund at the SJE Schools Foundation (stjohn-endicott.dollarsforscholars.org) or to one of the charities listed above.

Corbeill Funeral Homes in Colfax is caring for the family. On-line condolences may be left at http://www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com.