Carolynn Urness

Carolynn Urness died peacefully in Wenatchee on Sept 9, 2024. Carolynn Legg Urness was born on 12/3/1932, at Westerfield Hospital, Lakeside, Washington, with family friend Dr. I. G. Hubbard assisting the delivery. Her parents were Williamena and Arthur Legg, and she joined the family household that included brother Fielding, uncle Thomas Kussmaul, her grandmother Marion, and Aunt Minnie Kussmaul. Carolynn attended Manson school, and her interests included playing the coronet in band and having a horse named Sparky. Carolynn graduated in 1950 from Manson High School and was the valedictorian and an apple blossom princess that year. Carolynn attended college at WSC, now WSU in Pullman, where she studied Journalism and Home Economics. After graduation, she worked briefly in the office of the college president. Carolynn married John Urness in August 1954. They continued to live in Pullman until 1957 when they moved to Manson with son Terry and daughter Karen. Three more daughters, Wendy, Heather and Heidi came along shortly after. Carolynn was always active, and because of her typing, shorthand and writing skills, she was often nominated as the recording secretary of groups like the Mothers Club, or early versions of a community council. She was a den mother, was involved with the Blue Birds, and at times she typed up the bulletin and newsletter at the Methodist Church. To supplement the family income, Carolynn was a contributor to both the Wenatchee World, and Lake Chelan Mirror. She was paid by the column inch in those days, so she developed a skill of making her stories lengthy. Also at that time, participated in the local Apple Core theater, and with Chelan Valley Players. Mom sometimes drove her Honda 90 to work and enjoyed playing in her 22-foot sailboat. In the winter, she taught young skiers on the bunny hill at Echo Valley. She packed apples, and worked a little in the orchard. Carolynn was offered a job as assistant to the project manager of the new Bureau of Reclamation irrigation project in the early 70's, When that was completed, she went to work at the Manson Schools as secretary to the superintendent and school board. In 1985, Carolynn decided it was a good time to retire, and at 53 she moved to Palm Springs to look after her widowed father. She liked Palm Springs so much that she remained there for the next 33 years. She remained active in the senior mobile home park, and as one of the youngest residents, she assisted many new friends with errands and their health needs. She volunteered at the hospital and helped tutor ESL students. For several years, Carolynn enjoyed visiting the Palm Springs air museum, and signed on as one of their volunteers. She was part of a group that gave tours in the museum's B-17, Miss Angela. As a loyal volunteer at the museum, Carolynn was able to get rides in some of the planes, including a C-47, the visiting Madras Maiden B-17, and a T-28 Trojan. She rode in the T- 28 when she was 80, and she said it was the most exciting thing she ever did. Carolynn moved to Colonial Vista in Wenatchee in 2019. Carolynn was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Williamena Legg, brothers Fielding and Jesse, and sister Marion. Carolynn is survived by son Terry Urness (Marlene), daughters Karen Power (Jim), Wendy Lott (Bill) Heather Nieman, Heidi Griffith (Earl) and grandchildren and great grandchildren. A private interment at Chelan Riverview Cemetery will take place later.

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Carolynn Urness

December 2, 1932 - September 9, 2024