Golda Isabell Massey Carroll

Golda Isabell Massey Carroll was born in Dry Fork on December 3, 1910, to George Ova and Elizabeth Maud Orgill Massey. She passed away peacefully, February 25th at the age of 103. She lived her entire life in Vernal and was awarded the oldest continuous resident of the Ashley Valley by Vernal City. The home in which she grew up, is still standing in Dry Fork. In July of 1936, Golda married Joseph DeVera (DeVere) Carroll in Kansas City, Missouri. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on June 3rd, 1940. They had one child together, Howard Rex Carroll. DeVere was previously married to Rosemond Leon Hardy, who died Feb. 20, 1935, leaving a small son, Bert Lloyd Carroll, whom Golda raised as her own. Even though she was the biological mother of only one child, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors always thought of her as their mother and grandmother. She would always travel to important events for any friend or relative, often with a homemade gift in hand. She was loved by many. Golda attended School in Dry Fork through the 8th grade. Growing up on a farm, Golda learned to work at an early age. Her Father was working for the government and was away most of the time, so the family was responsible for all the farm chores. Golda graduated from Uintah High School and continued her education by taking college courses while she was working. She took the Utah State Abstract Board Examination and got her license to be an abstractor. She worked as the Uintah County recorder from 1934-1946. She also worked for First Security Bank in the Real Estate Department doing abstract and title insurance work. She loved learning new things, taking classes, studying, and reading. She said that if you don t use your mind, you lose it. She was still taking extension classes in her 70s and even though she never took a class on campus, she had more credits than a typical college graduate. During her 80s she started taking piano lessons. Gardening was another hobby and she got up early every morning to care for her little garden. She grew a vegetable garden plus flowers and she gave starts to anyone. She loved to go to the mountain to get firewood and always took a picnic and turned work into play. You never wanted to get in her way when she was throwing wood because if you did, you would get hurt. She loved to sew, knit, and crochet often taking an entire section out because it was not perfect. She knitted blessing blankets for numerous great-grandchildren. She had one room filled with yarn that she was going to get to someday. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and they were always welcomed in her home. She always had good advice for them and she wanted them to know they were loved. As teenagers, the grandkids remember her giving advice that they were not sure they needed. Looking back, they see both the love and the wisdom in that advice. Golda was a very active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in numerous callings for the church and had such a deep love and understanding of the Gospel. She served in the Provo Temple for a number of years and commuted weekly, summers and winters, with a number of widow ladies. She served as a temple worker in the Vernal Temple as well. She is survived by: Her son Howard (Tammy) Carroll; Brother: Floyd (Geneva) Massey of Jensen; Grandchildren: Amber (Gregg) Williams of Vernal, Travis Carroll of Lubbock, Texas, Melinda (Jeff) Palmer of Vernal, Alisa (Scott) Allred of Vernal , Megan (Dennis) Munoz of Vernal, Corbin Carroll of Vernal, Lynne and Brian Herring of Craig, Colorado, & Greggory Carroll (Tina) of Nipomo, CA; 17 Great grandchildren and 11 Great Great Grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her Parents, George Ova and Elizabeth Maud Massey; Siblings, Evylen McNaughton, Elva Stewart, George Massey, Jr., Ira Massey, Ferrel Massey, Arthella Pierson, Julian Massey, Valda Massey, & Illela McKinlay. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in the Glines 4th Ward Chapel, (78 South 2000 West - Aggie Blvd.) Friends and family may call Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at Blackburn Vernal Mortuary, and at the Church from 9:30 to 11:45 prior to the time of services. Burial will be in the Vernal Memorial Park, Services have been entrusted to the care of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.