Carol Ann Patrick Turnupseed Shipman, age 88, of Big Timber, MT, formerly of Hamilton, MT, died on Sunday, December 15, 2024 at the Pioneer Medical Center. Carol had been a resident of the PMC’s long term care unit for three months and the assisted living facility for the previous five months.
Carol was born July 26, 1936, in Everett, Washington. She was the eldest and only daughter born to James M. Patrick and Nadine A. (Pollock) Patrick. Carol had three brothers, James Richard, Michael, and Scott. Carol graduated from Everett High School in 1954. After graduation she worked in Seattle for a time, then worked in Everett for West Coast Telephone Company, which later became General Telephone Co.
Carol married Dale W. Turnupseed and from this union came two daughters, Cheri and Kimberly. They spent some time early in their marriage living in Tokeland, WA, where Dale was stationed in the US Coast Guard. After his service they returned to Everett. Carol and Dale divorced in 1976. Carol began her career in banking as an operations manager.
In July 1986 Carol married James E Shipman. This union brought a stepson, Brian, and stepdaughter, Diane. Carol and Jim lived in Mukilteo, WA, before moving to Hamilton, Montana in 1993. Carol and Jim had a full life which included many adventures. They traveled extensively whether just a “Sunday drive” or much farther destinations by auto, plane, cruise ship, or the many miles traveled in their motorhome. In 2020, they moved to Big Timber, MT to be close to family. Jim died in 2021.
Carol was fully engaged in life and connecting with people. She enjoyed exercising her mind with reading, word puzzles and games. She was convinced it would keep her mind sharp, which it did. She was frequently found at a bridge table playing cards and visiting with friends. She volunteered in many ways. She was a detail and task oriented person whose assistance was valued. An avid reader, she especially enjoyed volunteering at the Bitterroot Public Library. Carol volunteered at the hospital, drove cancer patients to out-of-town treatments, was a member of her church altar guild, and a member of PEO. Carol was adept and prolific at fiber arts, especially quilting, sewing, knitting, and crocheting.
Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, her parents, and her brothers, James Richard Patrick and Michael Patrick. She is survived by her brother, Scott (Sharon) Patrick, Lake Chelan, WA. Carol leaves behind her two daughters, Cheri (Monte) Fjare, Big Timber, MT, and Kimberly (Danny) Thompson, Lake Stevens, WA; her stepson Brian (Rosie) Shipman, and stepdaughter Diane (Charlie) Wescovich, Liberty Lake, WA. Eight grandchildren have cherished memories of their grandmother: Kari McGonigal (Jason Crosby), Marysville, WA; Kristina (Lee) Graham, Monroe, WA; Benjamin Fjare, Bozeman, MT; Jacob Fjare, Chicago, IL; Jamie Shipman, Spokane, WA; Zach (Elie) Shipman, Spokane, WA; Aaron Wescovich, Liberty Lake, WA; Taylor Wescovich, US Navy, Guam. Carol also leaves behind eight great grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, December 27, 2024 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 402 Hooper St, Big Timber, with a reception to follow at St. Mark’s Dallman Hall.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the charity of your choice; to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014 or online at www.michaeljfox.org; to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, PO Box 626, Big Timber, MT 59011; or to Hearts and Hands Hospice, PO Box 1337, Big Timber, MT 59011.
To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.stenbergfuneralhome.com