[br][br]Carol passed away in peace and with a smile on her face on Monday, January 4, 2016. She was 73.
Carol grew up in Sandpoint, ID with her parents Elizabeth & Floyd Skeel, and her sister and brother, Shirley and Duane Skeel. After graduating from Sandpoint High School in 1960, she moved to Spokane to attend Kinman Business University. She met Charlie Fender while he was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base. They were married in April 1961. While traveling with the Air Force, they had two children: Julie and David. Eventually they moved back to Spokane and their third son, Michael, was born in 1968.
Encouraged by her father, Carol learned to play the piano. She played the piano at the First Methodist Church, as well as many events while growing up. In 1959 she taught her first piano student. Carol would go on to teach over 800 students to play and love piano.
Carol had a profound impact on the youth she met throughout her life. She was a leader of the junior high group at Driscoll Blvd Baptist Church. On Sundays you would find her car filled with kids that she would pick up on her way to church. She was a huge supporter of the kids in the Renaissance Drum and Bugle Corp, for which Dave and Mike were members. When the Xiong family came to Spokane in 1978, she embraced them with her love and kindness. There are many fond memories of helping Katoua, Paomee and their children adapt to a new way of life in Spokane. The Fender house was always a welcome place for kids and friends.
In 1982, Carol was diagnosed with MS. Although a devastating blow to her, she fought hard to stay positive and keep up with her daily activities. Carol continued to teach piano even after she started having difficulties walking and using her hands.
In 1982, her granddaughter Erica was born. They have many fond memories together. Carol also has two grandsons, Shane Fender and Jacob Fender. She has one great-granddaughter, Taija Nelms.
In 1989, Carol was chosen as MS Mother of the Year. Her advice for others with MS, "keep going, live life as you can and know that the Lord will take care of you the best that he can. You have to be true to yourself. You can't do everything, but do the best that you can. You cannot look at the negative things in life, but stress the positive things."
Carol spent over 26 years of her life living in care centers. During this time she touched the hearts of those she met. She left a lasting impression with her smile. She was truly one of God's Angels who lived life to the best of her ability. We are most appreciative to Little River Care Center and those who lovingly took care of mom for the past 5 years. A very special thank you goes to her exceptional caregiver and friend, Bekki Snider, whom Carol loved dearly.
Carol is survived by her daughter, Julie Shepard-Hall (Kevin); her sons, David Fender (Susan) and Michael Fender; her granddaughter, Erica Shepard; grandsons, Shane Fender and Jacob Fender; great-granddaughter, Taija Nelms; her sister, Shirley Skeel (Gene) and brother, Duane Skeel (Nancy)m nephew, Kevin Skeel. Her sister-in-law, Nelda Fender-Hunt (Bill), brother-in-law Dan Fender (Geneva), as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Please join us to remember Carol on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 3:00 pm at The Gathering House, 733 W. Garland Ave., Spokane. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in Carol's name to Cup of Cool Water, 1106 W 2nd Ave, Spokane, WA 99201.