Carol Lynn Dutton

Bertha Carol Lynn Dutton was born April 27, 1942 in Wallace Idaho. We all knew her as Carol. Her parents were Paul and Louise (Gasser) Dutton. She had two younger siblings, a sister Sharon and a brother Randy. Before moving to Wallace, the family lived in the small mining community of Burke, Idaho. Carol’s father was a miner for a short while, and then worked for the railroad. Carol went to high school in Wallace and was valedictorian of her class. There were four who spoke at the graduation. Each chose a theme that would describe a different aspect of life. Carol’s speech was about our living God. When we choose Him and obey His will, we will have the best in this life and for all eternity. She was troubled about the work when she was in college at the University of Idaho. When she offered her life in this ministry, her fear was that she wasn’t a strong person physically. However, she told the older brother, “I don’t know if I’m able, but I’m willing.” After offering for the work, Carol went back to Wallace without finishing her degree, and worked in an office for a year. She started in the work in 1964, continuing to give her life in Washington, New Mexico, and Mexico until 2017 when due to health she was no longer able to be active in the ministry. While Carol was in New Mexico and over the Mexican border, she spent much of her time telling the gospel she loved in Spanish. Sisters from the New Mexico staff shared: She was easy to learn from, not only because she was gentle, but every time she spoke in meeting, her face glowed. She gave all her strength to share the gospel, but when her strength was small, she encouraged others on and forward and continued to encourage them with the warmth of her spirit. Carol loved the gospel, God’s word, and her hymnbook. In youth and these last years her hymnbook was a comfort. Recently she said that it had always been a “treasured friend.” When she was a child and afraid, disappointed, or not able to sleep she would sing hymns. She enjoyed playing them on the piano. A favorite hymn was #302, “Dear Saviour Lead Me by Thy Hand Divine.” In 2017 Carol moved in with Brian, JennieLynn, and Cayde Berglin. She lived with them for two years and loved their care and kindness. Then she moved into assisted living for a few years. The past 4 years she has been in the foster care home of Rahel who has so kindly cared for her. Carol was preceded in death by her parents and siblings. She is survived by her loving extended family of cousins, and a great host of friends.

Carol Lynn Dutton

April 27, 1942 - April 15, 2025