Carolyn Louise Burdine

Carolyn Louise Gilbreath Burdine passed on September 3, 2023, just a few weeks shy of her 78th birthday. She will be missed by everyone who knew her but even more so by those who loved her.

Carolyn was born September 16, 1945, in Dayton, WA, to Gilbert Lee Gilbreath and Hazel Margaret Lindley Gilbreath.

She attended both grade school and high school in Dayton and was named valedictorian of her senior class. She went on to attend college at WSU in Pullman, receiving a degree in business. She moved back to Dayton and lived in the family home with her father, their dog Duke, her cat Tissy, and her extensive collection of books. Shortly after returning back home, she started her 20-plus-year career as a bookkeeper for the City of Dayton.

Carolyn met Clyde Burdine in the spring of 85, shortly after her father had passed. Clyde had come to the door to talk to her dad about putting in a bid to build a fence. Clyde probably forgot why he was even there, as they were married that October of the same year and remained so for 35 years until Clyde’s passing. From Dayton, they eventually moved to Waitsburg, where they resided until passing. After moving to Waitsburg, she started her second 20-year-long career as the bookkeeper for Fort Walla Walla Museum.

She also had her own bookkeeping company, as well as keeping books for her and her husband’s company, Burdine Enterprises, later known as Alpine Industries.

Carolyn was a wonderful seamstress, often sewing clothes for her nieces, as well as Barbie and doll clothes for them. Carolyn was very interested in preserving the history of the area. She was on the board of the Pioneer Cemetery in Dayton, where many of her ancestors were buried, as well as helping with their finances. Both the Gilbreath and Lindley names have a deep lineage in the Columbia Valley, dating back to the early 1800’s. Carolyn was proud to be a part of the history and took great pains to keep records that displayed what her family had done. She was a historian at heart.

To say the least, Carolyn was an avid reader, maintaining a subscription to Harlequin Romance for over 20 years. In her family home, she had boxes and boxes of books; her room was floor-to-ceiling books stacked three or four thick against the walls. In addition to her many novels, she owned hundreds of cookbooks, which she also enjoyed reading.

Carolyn loved dogs and cats. She never turned away a stray. She had each either spayed or neutered, as well as taking care of all their other veterinary needs. She lovingly cared for all of her pets until they passed on, giving them a quality of life they might have never known. At one point, she had at least 17 dogs and upwards of 25 cats, giving each one the attention and love she felt they deserved.

Carolyn loved Christmas and roses and her family. She called and talked with her sister, Margaret, for hours every Sunday. She was a quiet woman who often kept to herself. She never wanted to bother anyone or burden them in any way.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Burdine; her parents, Gilbert Lee Gilbreath and Hazel Margaret Lindley Gilbreath; her sister, Margaret Gilbreath Mee; her brother, Lyle Gilbreath; and her brother-in-law, LeeRoy Mee.

She leaves behind her:

Nieces - Lori Mee Guckenberg (Mike) and sons Bryton and Holden.

Amanda Mee Anderson (Kelly) and children Evynn and Quade.

Wendi Mee McNeil (Justin) and sons Garrett and Greyden.

Heather Gilbreath and children Wyatt, Sierra, Haeden, Austin (Kelsey), and great-great-nephew Ace.

Nephew - Ross Gilbreath (Sharlene) children Nathen and Hanah.

Sister-In-Law - Marie Gilbreath.

Stepsons - Craig Burdine and Kevin Burdine.

Special Friend - Bill Moran.

Mr. Wiggles, her dog, and her six beloved cats.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Waitsburg City Cemetery, E. 8th St., Waitsburg, WA 99361.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.