Carol Faith (Christman) Godtland was born March 12, 1932 and died peacefully January 15, 2020 with her devoted husband Pete Godtland and her daughter Faith DeWaay at her side. Carol was born and raised in Butte and was proud of this.
Carol lived a rich busy, full, life and was best known for playing organ for Gold Hill Lutheran Church. She started playing for service at age 14 and continued until she was 76. A gifted musician, she could sight read any music and played every week, often for 2 services a day. She also played for all special events including Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, weddings and funerals.
Music was an important part of her life, and due to her influence, her four daughters all played piano and string instruments. Her husband has played French Horn in the Butte Symphony for 70 years and also plays trumpet for military funerals. The whole family has sung in choirs and their home echoed with joyous music.
Carol attended Butte High School and graduated from MSU Bozeman with a BSN in nursing. She worked part time as a nurse until her children were grown. When Dr. Terrance Scott moved to Butte, he hired mom to work full time in his new urology practice. Carol found herself to be the nurse, office manager, receptionist, and bookkeeper for the busy office and she thrived on the challenge. With no formal training, she learned computer skills, office management, receptionist duties and bookkeeping.
Carol’s favorite hobby was sewing, and it was an artistic passion for her. She was extremely prolific and precise, and crafted beautiful, perfectly sewn clothes for herself, her daughters and her grandchildren. Her children remember waking up in the morning to find a new dress to wear for school because Carol stayed up late sewing. They also laugh about coming home and finding their mom still in her pajamas, totally caught up in the creative experience of making something special.
But Carol’s greatest love was her family. She raised four daughters: Faith (married to Byron) DeWaay, Ruth (married to Tom) Kosmalski, Susan (married to Larry) Krause, and Naomi (married to Frank) Barnes. Carol adored her grandchildren Aaron and Kristin DeWaay, and Breanna, Brittany and Bethany Barnes. Harold “Pete” Godtland was the love of her life and they had a wonderful, loving marriage for 65 years. Carol also loved her community, church and God.
Carol is survived by her husband Pete Godtland, her four daughters, her five grandchildren and her sister-in-law Sally (Dale) Christman.
Carol is preceded in death by her parents Charles and Ivy Christman, her four brothers: Charles Jr., Dale, Don, Keith and a sister who died at birth.
Carol’s family wants to express their gratitude for the excellent care given to her by Dr. Joe Gregory, Frontier Hospice, Copper Ridge Nursing Home, St. James Hospital, and Bid Sky Assisted Living. Memorials may be made in Carol’s name to Gold Hill Lutheran Church.
Friends may call at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 25 at Gold Hill Lutheran Church, 934 Placer St., with a Memorial Service to follow at 12:00 pm.
Please see below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Carol. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Carol and her family.
Service Schedule
Visitation
11:00 a.m.
Saturday January 25, 2020
Gold Hill Lutheran Church
934 Placer St.
Butte, Montana 59701
Memorial Service
12:00 p.m.
Saturday January 25, 2020
Gold Hill Lutheran Church
934 Placer St.
Butte, Montana 59701
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Ann Gilmore says
Dear Pete,
My thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to know Carol. What a fine woman she was. It was always a pleasure to be with Carol and you, such a great couple.
I will look forward to seeing you this summer.
With Deepest Sympathy, Ann Gilmore
MacKenna says
Dear Pete and family,
I took care of Carol at Big Sky Senior Living when she moved to the Mariposa unit. I’m so glad that I got to know her and see Pete come visit her and spend time with her. She was such a sweet lady and had such a quick witt. I am sincerely sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family.