Carol Porter

Carol J. Porter, 77, beloved Leavenworth native, was called to heaven Thursday night, May 6, 2021 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born Carol Jeanne West on November 9, 1943 to Louis and Juanita (Nita) Kelley West in Leavenworth, where she received her early education and graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1961. While in school, along with being Princess Leavenworth, she was a twirler/majorette and Worthy Advisor in Rainbow.

 She met a handsome, athletic boy from Plain in 5th grade. They had a crush on each other throughout school. On February 3, 1962 Carol and Norm Porter wed at the Leavenworth Community United Methodist Church. This year they celebrated 59 years of marriage.

 Carol was blessed with perfect pitch and a bold vibrato which produced a lifetime of beautiful melodies. She sang in the church choir, taught family members to harmonize, and faithfully provided a “happy birthday song” phone call to loved ones. She also tickled the ivories; playing tunes on her piano while encouraging others to sing along. Carol and her sister, Judy sang downtown on the gazebo’s stage during festivals, accompanied by a German band.

 Working in real estate/property management for 21 years, Carol also prioritized her children, family, and the community’s kids. During the 70’s and 80’s, Carol and Norm ran the Ski Hill Lodge. They made the skiers pizzas, hamburgers, graveyard sodas and were known for their homemade chocolate cake with chocolate frosting, also known as “The Lodge Cake”. Carol made sure to always have a crackling fire and ping pong table for Leavenworth’s kids.

 Carol had a passion for nature and the beauty it possessed. Her garden reflected the majestic colors of each season. When walking by, visitors frequently asked for a garden tour — of which she always obliged.

 Carol was such a selfless, loving, caring person. There wasn’t a holiday that she didn’t welcome family and friends into their home. The Cove at Fish Lake was a favorite place to take their kids and trailer, where throughout the years, they enjoyed many good times.

 She is survived by her spouse, Norman Porter, daughter, Tamy Rayfield, sons Tony Porter (Deanna) and Curt Porter, their beloved grandchildren, Miranda Porter, Leandra Porter, Brandon Porter, Ariel Rayfield, Aiyana Reid, Melanie Fryhover and Anna Fryhover, siblings Judy Larson (Dale), Sandy Houston, Pennie Davis (Jerry), Scott West and many nieces (ex. Sugar Bug) and nephews. Besides her parents, Carol was preceded in death by one sister, Kay Dyment and daughter, Kelley Fryhover.

 The family will celebrate her life on a later, flower-filled summer day.

 Please express your thoughts and memories on our online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Jones & Jones – Betts Funeral Home.