Carolyn May Zirkle Obituary (2015)

Carolyn "Carol" Zirkle, beloved mother of three and grandmother of five, passed away peacefully September 24th in the warm company of her family. She will forever be remembered as a loving wife to Rodney Zirkle for 36 years, who she is survived by; their devoted relationship has been, and always will be, an inspiration to our family. She was a marvelous mother to Jim, Mike and Kelly Gallagher and the wonderful grandmother of Erin, Cailin, Conner, Joe and Ashley Gallagher. She was preceded in death by a son: Kelly B. Gallagher; daughter-in-law: Billie Zirkle; Parents: Albert G. & Irene C. Edwards. She should be remembered as a woman who dreamed and cared for the world and was able to see so much of it. Growing up in a navy family she traveled and lived all over the United States. From Philadelphiawhere she was bornto Seattle. She worked at a West Seattle grocer where she met the father of her three adored boys. He was a meat cutter, she was a meat wrapper. They both accepted positions in Yakima 53 years ago. Carol has been a dedicated part of the community ever since. Her current husband of 36 years Rodney Zirkle entered her life when she needed a partner and Carol and her family got so much more. He purchased her an idyllic ranch on Pleasant Hills Dr and ensured her happiness and stability as they embarked on their life together. Sharing a love for cruises they saw much of the world togetherfrom Europe to the Caribbeantheir travels always returned them to Yakima, their home. Among all her hobbies she enjoyed bowling immensely; for over a decade she participated in a local women's bowling league. Carol retired from Sears, where she worked in women's fashion, after 30 dedicated years and devoted her time to her family and opened her heart to the world. Carol was an avid supporter of an unimaginable variety of causes. As a cancer survivor and animal lover supporting the American Cancer Society and Humane Society are only part of her huge heart. Veterans of Foreign Wars, Union Gospel Mission, World Wildlife Fund, Boys Town, Shriners and St. Jude's are examples of how many people were helped by Carol's generosity. Her heart, character and love of family are her lasting legacies as she peers down on her loved ones from atop the world she cared for. She will forever be in our hearts.