Carole Laraine Haley, 83, a longtime resident of Fernwood, Idaho, passed away peacefully at her home in Spokane Valley, Washington, on October 1, 2026. Carole was a remarkable woman whose life was filled with hard work, unwavering devotion to her family, a love for the outdoors, and a generous heart that always seemed to have room for one more person or animal to love.

Carole was born on December 17, 1942, in Nampa, Idaho, to Oliver and Evelyn Fenny. She grew up in Nampa and attended school through the tenth grade. It was during those school years that she met Pinky Martinez, who would become her lifelong best friend. The two were nearly inseparable, standing side by side through their school years and so many of life's adventures. Carole left school early to care for her mother, an early example of the selflessness and dedication to family that would define so much of her life.

As a young woman, Carole met Don Jessen, and together they welcomed two children. Sadly, Don passed away. Some time later, Carole was introduced to Dave Haley through his sister, and their love story began in a way that could have come straight out of a movie. While attending a party, Dave walked right up to Carole and kissed her before he even said hello! Apparently, he knew what he wanted, and that bold introduction was the beginning of a beautiful love story. The couple married on June 7, 1969, and shared 52 wonderful years together, building a life full of love, family, hard work, and countless memories.

Carole and Dave initially made their home in Nampa, where Carole devoted herself to raising their children. She later worked in housekeeping at Mercy Medical Center, where her determination and strong work ethic led her to attend night classes and advance into a supervisory position. Carole was never afraid of hard work, and when she set her mind to something, she found a way to accomplish it.

In 1974, Carole and Dave moved their family to Fernwood, Idaho. Both loved the outdoors, and the beauty of North Idaho was a perfect fit for the life they wanted to build. They built their family home in 1978, and during those years, Carole and Dave also worked together at Starling Cedar Mill. Whether working outside the home, raising children, or keeping a busy household running, Carole always seemed to find a way to do it all.

In 2000, Carole began working in Environmental Services at Benewah Community Hospital, where she dedicated well over 15 years of service. She took pride in her work and was known for being dependable, hardworking, and willing to do whatever needed to be done.

On and off over the past three decades, Carole, Dave, and their family also played an important role in getting the local newspaper into the hands of the community. They would travel to Coeur d'Alene to pick up the freshly printed papers and make their way back toward St. Maries, delivering along the route through Fighting Creek, Worley, Plummer, and the businesses and shops throughout St. Maries before finishing at the Gazette. It was another example of Carole's willingness to stay busy, lend a hand, and do her part for the community she loved.

But as hardworking as Carole was, her greatest joy was always her family. She was an exceptional cook, and after raising a large family, she had mastered the art of making a delicious meal out of just about anything. No one ever had to worry about going hungry when Carole was in the kitchen. She especially loved the holidays and went out of her way to make them memorable. Her pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes with gravy were family favorites, and the memories made around her table will be treasured for generations.

Carole loved nothing more than having her family together. Whether everyone was gathered around the dinner table, playing cards, rolling dice, or simply visiting and sharing stories, those were the moments that meant the most to her. She had a wonderful way of making ordinary days special, and her family knew that wherever Carole was, there would be plenty of food, laughter, and love.

She and Dave shared a passion for the outdoors and once owned mining rights along the St. Joe River, where they enjoyed spending time together. Camping, huckleberry picking, and simply being outside were among Carole's favorite pastimes.

Carole also had an especially tender heart for animals. Over the years, she cared for and thoroughly spoiled many cats, but her compassion extended to animals of all kinds. She believed they deserved kindness, love, and proper care, and any animal fortunate enough to find its way into Carole's life was sure to be well loved.

During the last two years of her life, Carole required additional medical care and moved to Spokane Valley to be with her daughter, Charlie. There, she was surrounded by the love and attention of family, just as she had spent so many years lovingly caring for others.

Carole was a woman of incredible strength, determination, and heart. She knew the meaning of hard work, the importance of family, and the value of a life built on love rather than material things. She experienced her share of heartache and loss, yet she continued to give so much of herself to those around her. She didn't need grand gestures to show her love. It was found in a home-cooked meal, a holiday gathering, a helping hand, or simply being there when someone needed her.

She leaves behind a beautiful legacy in the family she raised, the lives she touched, and the countless memories that will continue to bring smiles, laughter, and comfort to those who knew her. Carole will be deeply missed, but the love she gave so freely will live on for generations.

Carole is survived by her children, Robert Haley of Nampa, Idaho, Charlie Johnson of Spokane Valley, Washington, David (Geri) Haley of California, and Billy (Zeta) Haley of Fernwood, Idaho; dear friend of over 37 years Nell Scheinost; 27 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oliver and Evelyn Fenny; her beloved husband, Dave Haley; and her three children, Clay Bauyer, Donald Jessen, and Robin Haley.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a potluck celebration of Carole's life on announced at a later date.