Carol Leone Virgin

Carol Leone James Virgin quietly slipped through the veil on March 9, 2025, from congestive heart failure. Carol was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on January 26, 1940, to loving parents Elmer Asper James and Esther Briggs Dea James. She was their first child, followed by Richard Dea, Nancy and John Douglas (“Dougie”). Carol was a caring and loving child and watched over her siblings as each came along. When her youngest brother Dougie became terminally ill, her mother spent most of her time over the next two years at the hospital. At this time, nine-year-old Carol became a mother figure to her younger siblings. To this day they all remain very close to each other. When Carol was 25, her mother passed away at the age of 51. She returned to Salt Lake City to assist her father with the family business. While there, her first son was born. Her father remarried 1 1/2 years later to Anne Marie Knaphus Gerritsen and added three more brothers to the family, John Adrian, Bryan Reed and Allen Paul Gerritsen. Carol began her education in Salt Lake City at Ensign Elementary, Bryant Jr. High and West High School where she was a member of the Pep club. Following high school, she attended the University of Utah for two years where she was a member of the Phi Mu sorority. She then transferred to Utah State University where she received in BA in Sociology, making her the first to graduate from college in her family. While at Utah State, she met her eternal companion, Richard “Terry” Virgin. They were married on June 10, 1963, in the LDS Salt Lake Temple in Salt Lake City, UT. Terry graduated with a degree in forestry, and they moved to California for his first job with the U.S. Forest Service. Eight years later, they moved to Bend, OR where he worked on the Deschutes national forest until he retired. Carol worked for the Office of Personnel Management for 32 years until her retirement. During their time in California, they welcomed three sons, James Douglas (“Jim”) born June 6, 1965, Layne Terry born August 26, 1967, and Cory Eugene born June 23, 1971. After moving to Bend, they welcomed their fourth son, Kolby Craig born March 21, 1979. Their family continued to grow as they welcomed 13 grandchildren over the years. Carol was an amazing grandmother hosting numerous “grandma camps,” sleepovers and always attended their athletic events, plays, recitals and concerts. Carol was a woman of many talents, learning to play the violin at a young age, as well as taking piano lessons. At the age of 83, she decided to take piano lessons again. At the age of 16, her mother enrolled her in finishing school where she learned skills in etiquette and refinement, however, most of that came to her naturally. She was truly a refined lady. Creativity was her niche, and she could organize any kind of party and make it fancy like a gala every time. She even organized two surprise parties for her sister and sister-in-law, even though she lived two states away. Both were a huge success, and they were both elated. To return the favor, her sister surprised her with a surprise birthday party for her 85th birthday, where all her boys and most of her grandchildren were able to attend. Carol was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She always had strong faith in her Savior Jesus Christ. She served faithfully in many callings throughout her life, radiating love to all she came in contact with and developing lifelong friendships. She and Terry served as temple ordinance workers in the Portland temple for over 17 years as well as service missionaries for seven years. Carol is survived by her loving husband of almost 62 years, Terry, who has taken such good care of her, and her four sons, Jim (Robin) of Vancouver, WA, Layne (Denise) of Bonney Lake, WA, Cory (Jamie) of Hubbard, OR and Kolby (Kira) of Keizer, OR. She is also survived by her siblings Richard (Betty) of Ivins, UT, Nancy of Ivins, UT, John (Janice) of Salt Lake City, UT, Bryan (Becky) of North Ogden, UT, sister-in-law Juli Gerritsen of Salt Lake City, UT, and twelve grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Elmer, Esther and Marie, as well as two brothers, Dougie and Allen. The family wishes to thank the staff at Partners in Care Hospice services for their professional loving support and care. A viewing will be held on March 22nd, 2025, from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1260 NE Thompson Dr., Bend, OR, followed by a celebration of life at 1pm. Interment will be at the Pilot Butte Cemetery in Bend, OR.

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Carol Leone Virgin

January 26, 1940 - March 9, 2025