Carolyn Jean Grogan

Carolyn Jean Grogan of Lakeview, Oregon, died peacefully with family by her side on July 9, 2020. She was 91. She is survived by her four children: Pamela Johnson of Seattle, Spencer Grogan of Lakeview, Bernece Teem of Fort Worth, and Susanne Renberg of Manhattan. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Carolyn was born in 1929 in Stanfield, Oregon, to Gilbert and Bernice Smith. She graduated from Stanfield High in 1947. That same year she met Frank Grogan, who was a lineman for Pacific Power at the time. The story goes that Carolyn was on her way to singing practice at the church one afternoon when she noticed a handsome lineman up a pole with no shirt on. She whistled at him and ducked into the church. Later that weekend, she met that lineman at a community dance. They were married on April 10, 1948.

After graduating from OSU in 1954, Frank took a job with the Oregon State Fish & Game Commission. He and Carolyn transferred to Lake County in 1956.

Amongst her many domestic skills, Carolyn spent a great deal of time at her sewing machine, completing hundreds of projects over the years, including two of her daughter’s wedding dresses. She also had a focus on nutrition and made the best bread in the county, as well as filled her cellar with dozens of jars of fruit and vegetables every summer. She was known for her beautiful smile, frequent laughter, and warm hospitality.

Carolyn told everyone that one of the most important moments of her life happened at forty years of age when she surrendered her life to Jesus Christ. She remained a committed follower for the rest of her life and prayed for her entire family into faith in Jesus, something her family considers to be her greatest legacy.

Frank and Carolyn remained in Lakeview until he retired in 1986. After several years of travel in the western US and Mexico, they eventually settled in Seattle with family.

Frank passed away in 2005, and Carolyn moved back to Lakeview in March of this year.

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and will be remembered with great affection.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Cor. 2:9

Private family services will be held for Carolyn at a later date.  Memorial contributions can be made to Lakeview Home Health and Hospice, 700 South J Street, Lakeview, OR 97630.

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