Our loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Carol Shirley Parkinson, 91 of Plano Idaho, quietly passed away on October 21, 2025, in Rexburg, Idaho.

Carol was born July 21, 1934, to Frederick Amos and Clara Worlton Shirley in Salem, Idaho. Carol's early childhood was spent on the family farm in Salem, Idaho. She attended school in Sugar City, Idaho, participating in Thespians, Pep Club, and FHA. She met Max G. Parkinson while attending Sugar-Salem High School. Their first date was to the Senior Ball at Christmas, their freshman year. They dated on and off throughout high school. After graduating in 1952, Carol attended Ricks College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree. She taught business classes at West Jefferson High School.

On December 20, 1957, Max and Carol were married in the Idaho Falls Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after Max returned from a mission to the Samoan Islands. They settled into the farming life in Plano. After teaching three years at West Jefferson, Carol retired to raise a family. Max and Carol have always been involved with their family, church, and community. Carol was always actively involved in service.  She served in scouting, Young Women, Primary, and Relief Society Presidencies, teaching, and genealogy. Carol had a love for temple work. Later in life, when children were raised, she spent time in the temple as often as possible. Carol is known for her quilting ability and her garden full of gladiola flowers. She passed on that love of gardening to her children and grandchildren. Later in life, Max took up golf. They would spend their winters in Mesquite, Nevada, warming in the sun, Carol quilting and studying her genealogy books, and Max out with his mission companions and buddies golfing. They visited family and friends while staying warm.  Carol was also a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and was just recently awarded her 40-year service pin. She had a love for history, especially her ancestors.

She is survived by her children: Valerie (Klint) Robison, Alan (Michele) Parkinson, Lori (Kirt) Sutton (deceased), Sherri L. (Richard) Dyer, Rochelle (Brad) Oram, Jeffrey (Marcel) Parkinson, and her brother Val (Bonnie) Shirley of Pleasant Grove, UT. Carol has 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband Max, son Brent James, parents, son-in-law Kirt Sutton, siblings, Gordon Shirley, Afton Teeples, Lola Cook, Jim Shirley, Audery Hale, and Kaye Brown

Max and Carol always worked hard and were very generous with their time and talents. As their family, we thank them for all they have shared, taught, and helped us with. We are so glad they have shared their lives with us.

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Plano Idaho Church, prior to a graveside service at Plano Cemetery.

We would like to thank all those who have helped with Carol these past few months, whether they were family or caregivers. We appreciate all that you have done to help.

In liu of flowers/plants please make a donation to a missionary fund or your local charity.