Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Carol Marie Olmstead, 89, passed peacefully on July 19, 2026, at her home in West Linn, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.
Carol was raised in Wasco, Oregon, by her parents, Anna Margaret and Thor (Tom) Jacobsen. She was the third of six children, with two older sisters, Anne Jeane and Sharon Lee, and two younger brothers, David Norman and Erling Evan.
Carol was a bit of a wild child — and she wouldn’t have wanted it any other way! She had a wonderful spirit, a strong personality, and a deep love and respect for her family. She lived life fully and was rarely one to sit on the sidelines.
Some of Carol’s happiest childhood memories were made at her grandparents’ ranch, Ed and Elsie Olson’s place. It was there that she developed her lifelong love of horses and the outdoors. She was also active in her community and school, writing for and editing the school newspaper/annual. In 1953, she was honored as a princess in the Sherman County Rodeo. If something was happening in Sherman County, chances were good that Carol was there!
In 1956, Carol married Sam Olmstead, beginning a 66-year marriage filled with family, hard work, and adventure. Sam preceded Carol in death in 2022. Together they raised three children: Ridge Evan, born in 1957; Rhett Justin, born in 1960; and Sami Michelle, born in 1963. Carol was a loving and involved mother who took great pride in her family.
Carol and Sam built a life together that was filled with family, hard work, and adventure. During their years together, they owned three salons. Carol also enjoyed a 16-year career with Redken Laboratories, building friendships and memories along the way. After retiring, Carol returned to her hometown of Wasco. It wasn’t long before she and Sam opened their third salon there, bringing them back to the community that had always held a special place in Carol’s heart.
Carol’s life was filled with family, friendships, horses, community, hard work, laughter, and more stories than could ever fit on a few pages. She had a way of being part of things—of showing up, getting involved, and making memories wherever she went.
Please join us in celebrating Carol’s wonderful life and the many memories she left with all of us on Saturday, Oct. 10 from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Wasco School Event Center, Wasco.
She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever a part of the stories we tell.
Columbia Gorge News, Oct. 7, 2026
To plant a tree in memory of Carol Olmstead as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
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