Hearts are heavy and eyes filled with tears as we say farewell to our loving mother, grandma, mother-in-law, sister, cousin and friend, Carol Ann Ryen.

Carol was born on June 24, 1943, in Butte, Mont., to Glen and Katherine Dill. She passed away the morning of March 3, 2012, at the Hospice House in Hayden. Mom fought a courageous nine-month battle against cancer, right up until her final hours. She was a trooper.

Mom worked as a diation in local nursing homes in the Idaho and Spokane area for many years, retiring in 2011.

She enjoyed gardening, reading, meeting friends for lunch and coffee, “junking” with her cousin, and spending time with family. She cherished her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Walter “Butch” Dill, and many other relatives who welcomed her with open arms on this next journey.

Carol is survived by daughter Dorinda (Dory) Kay Flathers and husband Shawn, children Austin, Briele and Kinzley of Hayden. Two sons: Robert William of Coeur d’Alene and his daughter Kailey; son Michael Scott and wife Teresa of Rathdrum, and their children, Zachary, Amanda, Jaimalyn and Madison. Cousin Marian Low and her husband Bruce of Coeur d’Alene, and Aunt Dorothy Wallen of Spokane.

Thank you to the nurses and staff at North Idaho Hospice House for the loving care you provided to mom in her final days. At Carol’s request there will be no public service. The family will hold a private service to honor her at a later date.

Please give us strength to carry on, you were our rock. We love you and will never forget you. Sit on a park bench, people watch, go to that parade, or make your own parade…Until we meet again.

They say we will be okay, but we’re not going to ever get over you! Love and miss you, mom.