On Aug. 18, 2016, beloved wife and mother Carole Ann Faling Amtmann passed away peacefully at Providence Hospital at the age of 73 as a result of natural causes.

Born in Lincoln, Neb., to William and Phyllis Faling, Carole’s family history can be traced back to the Colonial era and the early settlement of Nebraska. Shortly after her birth, her father was shipped off to fight the war in Europe, leaving her mother to care for her until her father’s safe return in 1945. In her early teens, Carole lost her younger brother to cancer, devastating her, but resulting in a strong and compassionate person.

Carole advanced through the schools in Lincoln and graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University with a degree in education. While in her senior year of college, Carole met her husband, Neal, and they married seven months later. Carole spent the next 53 years as an Air Force wife, loving mother of their two daughters, Kristin and Wendy, and doting grandmother of her five grandchildren.

Through the years, Carole was a determined and resourceful wife and mother. She always loved children, and at each military assignment, she either worked at a school or started her own preschool. She was brilliant with children and was known for her firm but loving methods.

After retiring from the Air Force, the family settled in Coupeville where Carole once again taught and managed a preschool and substituted at the elementary school. In 1981 she and her partner opened Tartans and Tweeds, a successful Irish and Scottish imported clothing store.

Following the birth of her grandchildren, Carole retired and traveled with Neal around the United States in their motor home to spend more time with her family. A skillful gardener, cook, writer, educator, businesswoman and historian, Carole made a huge impact on all of those in her life. She will always be remembered for the love and encouragement she gave to those around her and her generous spirit, thoughtful deeds and kind actions.

Carole’s family was with her when she passed away. She is buried in Sunnyside Cemetery in Coupeville.