Carol Ann George (Gratton)

Carol Ann George, 73, of Keizer returned to be with our Lord surrounded by her loving family on April 18th, 2014.
Carol was born in Washington, D.C. on January 21st, 1941 to Bernard A. and Ruth E. Gratton. In 1958, she graduated from Biglerville High School in Pennsylvania where she was both a friend to all and a vibrant cheerleader. Carol married the man she'd spend her life with, David E. George, in 1959. Shortly thereafter, they moved to California, where they soon became members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In 1969 the family moved to Oregon following Dave's career. She and Dave enjoyed many varied activities including owning and piloting small airplanes, square dancing, camping and community civic activities in Silverton, OR.
Professionally, Carol enjoyed her work with the State of Oregon, retiring in 1999. She made many lifelong friends in her career. She also enjoyed being an instructor at Chemeketa Community College and taught word processing and other computer classes there for many years.
Carol especially loved traveling the world and immersing all five senses in different cultures. She has travelled to five continents and spent quite a bit of time in many European and Asian countries. Always one to follow her heart, in 1992 she packed a small bag and moved to Japan for a year, spending time teaching and travelling the beautiful country.
Most of all, however, Carol coveted the time she spent singing music and participating in Sweet Adelines, International. Carol joined Sweet Adelines in 1977 and most recently was a member of the Oregon Spirit Chorus in Salem. Along the way, she built enduring friendships with her sisters in the Columbia River Chorus and the Barlow Trail Chorus. The special love she held for music was not just a part of her life, it was her lifelong passion. Her many friends and chorus sisters will miss her beautiful smile and her wonderful spirit.
Carol was preceded in death by her husband, David, and her son, Douglas. Survivors include her brother Scott (Janice) Gratton of Vancouver, WA; children Laurie Burk of Silverton, OR; Daryll (Karli) George of Tigard, OR; Karen (Troy) Quinton of Silverton, OR; and Fred (Tracy) George of Silverton, OR; and fourteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Carol's life will be held on Monday, May 5th, 2014, at 3:30 PM at the LDS Stake Center at 1375 Lockhaven Drive in Keizer, Oregon. Carol will be laid to rest in a private interment ceremony held at Miller Cemetery in Silverton, Oregon.
Contributions are suggested to be made to the National Kidney Foundation or the Sweet Adelines, International Young Singers Foundation. Keizer Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services is caring for her and her family. For photos, memories and online condolences, please visit Carol's memorial website at www.keizerchapel.com .