Carolee (Gramma Carol) Fifield of Glen, MT died of natural causes at her residence in Butte. Carol was born in Dillon, the oldest of two children born to Carl and Frances Kambich. Carol grew up on the family ranch near Glen, attending high school in Dillon. An exceptional student, Carol was an FHA member through high school serving as Treasurer and President her junior and senior years. She was a Girl’s State delegate, Honor Society member and Secretary of the BCHS senior class of 1956.
Following high school, Carol attended Western MT College for three years before earning a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics and Elementary Education from Montana State University.
Carol met her first husband William J. Fogarty of Butte while attending MSU, the couple had three children together. The two divorced in 1973 and Carol and her children returned to the family ranch after stints in Red Bluff and Fresno, California. Carol married Norman Fifield in 1974. Norman worked for the US Forest Service in Wise River and brought two sons to the marriage.
In addition to time spent raising her family and helping on the ranch, Carol enjoyed a long career working for the US Postal Service. She held part-time positions in the Glen and Melrose before being named Postmaster in Melrose in 1990, a position she proudly held for over 24 years.
Carol had many talents and interests including homemaking, gardening, taking rides in the country (Brownes Bridge and Lake were her favorites), teaching her grandchildren to drive, hosting family events, accompanying her daughter Michelle to horse events, providing for her beloved bluebirds, and always giving generously to others. Carol spent many a day sitting at her favorite picnic table at Brownes Bridge while praying to St. Jude whenever anyone was in need. She was especially proud of the oasis she and Norman built within the “sea of sage” that surrounded her home near Glen.
She was preceded in death by her parents Carl and Francis Kambich, husband Norman Fifield, brother Carl Donald Kambich and stepson Brett Fifield.
Survivors include her children Lori (Ken) McArthur of Choteau, MT, William (Colleene) Fogarty of Butte, MT, Michelle (Gene) of Florence, MT and stepson David (Jean) of North Pole, AK, Grandchildren AJ (Gina) McArthur, Brittnie (Ken) Herbst, Joe Fogarty, Erin Fogarty, Maggie Fogarty, Christina (Tim) Wegner, Paul (Bre) Morris, Madison Morris, Alysia (Keith) Harmon, Macala Fifield, Brett (Rebecca)Fifield, Great-Grandchildren Wyatt Fifield, Jordyn and Kendall Herbst, Olin McArthur, Piper Morris, and Makenzie and Lucy Wegner.
The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the staff at The Springs Assisted Living in Butte, A-Plus Health Care (Katrina was mom’s rock), and Frontier Hospice for the exceptional care they extended. A special thanks to the many friends and relatives that took time to send cards, stop by, and check on our mother.
Cremation has taken place. In accordance with Carol’s wishes, a celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Frontier Hospice, or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Carolee. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Carolee and her family.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
Share
Cindy Bennett says
Lori, So sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. I hope you and your family are doing well. Thinking about you at this time. Cindy Rebish Bennett
Veva Larson says
Carol was one of my most favorite people ever. I worked with her well sort of worked with her, I was working at the Divide post office when she was in Melrose. She was such a hoy and help to me. I will never forget her ki d ways and live for all, well except maybe new computer stuff. She will be greatly missed.
Jim Herzog says
I am honored to have known Carolee well enough to solve the Big Hole valley problems, share some great road trip and adventurous stories, family escapades, and to know about her secret “heart of gold”.
Many times when Carol was “on a roll” I told her I saw a twinkle and a secret smile and we both busted laughing in a way that those closest will appreciate.
She was so proud of her Kids and Grandkids illustrated by her beautiful style!
I’ll see you at Browns Bridge and will never forget you.
Joe Herzog says
Sorry to hear about your loss! Carolee had an amazing large heart and was a great storyteller! She always welcomed us with great food in her house in the middle of the sagebrush sea! She had a huge spirit and will definitely be missed!
Carla Hansen says
Carolee was one of the most fun friends I have ever had. In our youth, we had some great times riding our horses up Birch Creek where they summered their cattle and spending a few days at the Birch Creek cabin . We laughed all the time. She had a special twinkle in her eyes that was mischievous but always kind. She was a good friend from my childhood days of 4-H to this time. I will miss her and her infectious laugh.
Joe Moran says
Carolee was such a sweet heart. Especially when my mom and dad were in Butte. She was always family, even as far away as we are. She has and will always been our hearts and prayers. We now have another angel with the Lord.
Bonnie and Joe Moran