Carol Jean Stimmel

Carol Jean Stimmel, 85, died October 23, 2025, at her home.

Carol Jean was born in Wallowa, Oregon, to Jess Johnson and Helen Mae Wisdom. She later grew up in Elgin, Oregon, with her four siblings: Gary Prince, Sue (Collins) Wells, Cindy (Collins) Noland, Jack Collins, her mother, Helen, and Stepfather, Leonard “Pud” Collins. She graduated from Elgin High School in 1958.

Carol Jean met her future husband Bob at a meeting with her brother, Gary Prince. Gary had joined the Navy and met Bob. Through this friendship, Bob met Carol, and the rest is history. Carol Jean married Robert (Bob) Stimmel on July 15, 1962.

Bob and Carol Jean eventually settled in Walla Walla to raise their family.

Carol Jean LOVED her sisters! She always had the “news” about what they had going on in their lives, the activities of their children, grandchildren, AND great-grandchildren! She was excited to get to share those stories. Carol Jean LOVED the Mariners! Her favorite player was the pitcher, Logan Gilbert. She always knew when Logan was pitching and loved his long hair!

Carol Jean also loved her cats. Neighborhood strays spread the news of Carol Jean’s hospitality, and she would love them into the fold and name them all.

Another significant LOVE of Carol Jean’s was the television show, COPS! “She could be heard singing “Whatcha Gonna Do When They Come For You!” especially when talking about an episode to her family. One of her highlights was going on a Police ride-along with her son in Portland and getting in a pursuit with a stolen car. Carol Jean was so excited, AND her son was in Trouble!

That love for COPS was probably the reason Carol Jean was in charge of the Block Watch at the corner of 5th and Elizabeth in Milton Freewater. She knew all the regulars walking past the house every day and at what time.

Carol Jean was preceded in death by her brothers, Gary Prince and Jack Collins; her mother, Helen Mae Wisdom; her father, Jess Johnson; and her stepfather, Pud Collins.

She is survived by her husband, Bob Stimmel; son, Matt Stimmel (Tracey); son, Mark Stimmel; daughter, Shelly (Stimmel) Shaindlin (Lamont); Sisters, Sue (Collins) Wells (Tom); Cindy (Collins) Noland (Ron); Four grandchildren: Emily, Tayler, Maddie, and Smith. And many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Above all things, Carol Jean LOVED her family the most!

A viewing will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 10:30 AM, at Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens with Pastor Mark Koonz officiating.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.