Carol Gothberg

Carol Ann Gothberg passed away peacefully on Monday, July 6, 2026, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, at the age of 88. Reflecting on the advice from her favored idol, "One must not let oneself be overwhelmed by sadness", we will remember Carol for her dynamic strength and warm, loving hospitality. Ever the hostess, she loved to cook, entertain, and dress beautifully for every occasion. She was a talented crafter who created her own decorations and gifts, most notably her special hand-knitted baby booties for the littlest members of the family.

Carol was born in Seattle, Washington, on May 7, 1938, to the late Nels and Ida Maude (St. John) Smedberg. She graduated from Tahoma High School in Maple Valley, Washington, where she played basketball, served as secretary of the Drama Club, and cheered as a Yell Leader. After graduation, she worked in the Chief Engineer’s department at Pacific Northwest Bell in Seattle. She loved to reminisce about this time, fondly recalling the fashionable attire and favorite heels she wore while walking downtown, often stopping for lunch at Frederick & Nelson or Woolworth's lunch counter.

In 1967, Carol moved to Beaverton, Oregon, where she worked as an Operations Supervisor for First State Bank of Oregon. Life’s circumstances later brought her to Yakima, Washington, in 1980, where she was united in marriage to Kermit Gothberg. Carol worked in Loan Services for First Interstate Bank in Selah, Washington, and eventually retired from Wells Fargo Bank in 1997. Never one to stay idle for long; she spent her retirement as an office manager for a Lifetouch photo studio.

Faith and fellowship were central to Carol's life. Over the years, she and her family attended First Covenant Church of Seattle, West Hills Covenant Church of Portland, Somerset West Covenant Church of Beaverton, and Wiley Heights Covenant Church of Yakima. Blessed with a beautiful soprano voice, Carol sang faithfully in church choirs, often serenading congregations with solos or dramatic duets alongside her doting husband, Kerm. She also served as a church secretary and took great joy in hosting church and community events. Carol was a dedicated member of a Ladies’ bridge group, always hosting their December party with her renowned Christmas cookie exchange, and cherished her local coffee group, a tradition that carried on long past retirement until her move to Missouri.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Lowell Smith; her second husband, Kermit Gothberg; her parents, Nels and Maude Smedberg; and her brother, Paul Smedberg.

She is survived by her children, Victoria Johnson (Matthew) of Jackson, Missouri, Kenton Smith (Sharon) of Marion, Texas, Brad Gothberg of Yakima, Washington, and Yvonne Felix (Lee) of Berkshire, United Kingdom; as well as her five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date, with details to follow. Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapels is assisting the family with arrangements.