Obituary of Carol Luella Durston

Carol Luella Durston (November 24, 1930 – February 19, 2022)

Carol Durston, beloved mother and grandmother passed away on February 19, 2022 at the Cottages in University Place. She was born in Tacoma, WA to Bertha (Heyn) & Louis Hudson on November 24, 1930. Her early years, during the depression, were spent in a large family center of her grandparent’s home including her Aunt Ella and Uncle Ralph Johnson. She loved being surrounded by friends and family as much as she loved a good book.  She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1949 and married her husband of 52 years, Frank Durston. Carol is survived by her children Greg (Pat) Durston and Cathy (David) Krebs. Also 2 grandchildren (Whitney and Kyle), 2 great grandchildren (Stella & Jack) as well as step grandchild Thea Klipping and step great grandchildren Cierra & Xavier Bell and Sister-in-Law JoAnne Durston. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Frank and an infant son Brian Louis Durston.

Carol belonged to Mount Cross Lutheran Church, Tacoma Opera Guild and Orthopedic Guild. Carol and Frank loved to dance and belonged to several dance clubs, the Galloping Gertie Chapter of the Model A Club and were very involved in the Tacoma Home Builders Association. Carol enjoyed intellectual pursuits: she studied theology at UPS and PLU, read history avidly and for many years researched her family genealogy.

Her home was the epicenter of family gatherings, which she and Frank both adored. She was an incredibly generous and thoughtful person who always wanted to make people feel welcomed and included.  She is famous among friends and family for her generous gifts of fabulous multi-layered chocolate cakes she baked for Christmas, the pies she baked often and her one of a kind fried chicken. Carol had an impressive memory for fun and fascinating facts on a wide array of topics. She loved music, especially Irish and opera. She had a green thumb and could often be found in garden nurseries searching for the perfect plant to add to her yard. Carol greatly appreciated where she lived and enjoyed taking the long way home to get a glimpse of the waterfront or cherry blossoms in bloom. She loved gathering at Fox Island with a large extended family.

She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.  Memorials may be made to the Humane Society in Carol’s name. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 18th at 3:00 PM at Mount Cross Lutheran Church (8902 40th St W, University Place, WA 98466).