Eureka Times-Standard
        May 26 to May 30, 2012

Carolyn passed away unexpectedly 5/24/2012 with her family by her side. Carolyn was born 9/09/1952 in Arcata,Ca to Estel "Bully" Skelton and JoAnn Skelton. Carolyn was the 2nd of 4 children. She was raised in McKinleyville Ca where she went from kindergarten to high school. She graduated in 1970 from McKinleyville High. When Carolyn was young she loved the outdoors. Fishing and Hunting with her dad. He would say "If you dig the worms i will take you fishing", the next thing you knew she had the worms dug and ready to go. Her dad was one of her best friends. Carolyn was a big sports fan. She loved lots of different sports but one special team was Oklahoma Sooners. The Sooners gave her alot of joy because her and her dad shared that "love of the team" together. But her all time favorite team was San Francisco Giants. She was truly their #1 fan. Her life revolved around what time the game was on so she could "Watch her boys." She has been to many of their games in SanFrancisco. She was always sportin her Giants jacket. She also had a Giants hat which she collected seasonal pins. The hat eventually became too heavy for her to actually wear but she still added those pins.

She married Barney Curtice Febuary 17, 1973. She had her one and only child Brad Curtice the following year. She raised a wonderful son. She was so proud of him. She loved to watch him race his mini outlaw and watch him play sports. She was her sons #1 fan. Carolyn and her husband, Bill Stiles, spent the last 29 wonderful years together. He was there for her in her sicknesses and her health, enjoying their time together. In her younger years she loved going to concerts and tanning by the river. She has been to 25 + concerts. She got to see Lyrnd Skynrd, Hank Williams Jr. (at least 4 times), and many many others. Her favorite river spot was on the Trinity River. She spent many years working for Louisana Pacific which gave her many happy memories. She truly enjoyed all her friends and co-workers. She also worked for Mad River Hospital for many years where she met a few good friends. In 2002 she welcomed her granddaughter Anissa Curtice into the world. She was there when she was born and was in love with her since the first moment she seen her. Anissa would soon be calling her "mema"!! The name Mema grew on her..soon she loved telling everyone she was Anissa's Mema. She was proud of her little granddaughter who is actually a "spittin image" of Carolyn. Carolyn enjoyed watching Anissa race her pink mini outlaw and tried to make it all her soccer and softball games. Even when she didn't feel good she would drive to Anissa's games and park her car outside the field to see her play! She was the best "mema" in the world!!!! Carolyn was lucky to have her son and his family living next door. They had a special gate put in so they can just go through the backyard to each others houses. That was a blessing for all of us especially Carolyn and Anissa. Recently she took Anissa with her to get fish for her tank. Her and Anissa named every fish (all Giants players names). We all got a kick out of that, especially Carolyn. What a joy she has been for us to have her in our lives. She was always kind hearted and could never just give us one greeting card for our birthday or any occasion, she would always give us two because one would never say everything she wanted us to know.

She was very close to her sister Mona. Although Mona lives hours away they were as close as ever. Mona ironically was here by her side when Carolyn passed. When Carolyn was 26 she had her first battle with cancer. She fought hard and made it through it. Unfortunately the treatment for that cancer caused her to have a very bad immune system. Although she worked her whole life and was always happy and bubbly she was always fighting off some type of illness. She ended up getting cancer a total of 5 times. Each time she would say "lets get this treatment over with so i can move on". She never complained and said why me. That attitude is what kept her alive. She was so proud of herself for making it this far. Even her doctors couldnt believe how strong willed she was. They all just really enjoyed her spunky spirit and kind heart. She recently just conquered another cancer!!

In the end it was her heart and kidneys that took her life... Not the Cancer! She was the strongest woman in the world! We feel empty without her. Life will never be the same. Carolyn.. We just want you to know we love you and miss you already! Thanks for fighting this long and giving us all these wonderful memories!! Your son is sooo proud of you!!

She is proceeded in death by her dad Estel "Bully" Skelton. (She missed him like crazy and we find great comfort in knowing he was there to meet her at Heaven's Gates).

She is survived by: Her husband Bill Stiles of Eureka. Her son Brad Curtice and daughter-in-law Gretchen. Her mother JoAnn Skelton of Heavener Oklahoma. Her mother-in-law, Peg Stiles. Her siblings Gary Skelton (Mary Ann) of Burnt Ranch, Ca Mona Hays of Yucaipa, Ca Mark Skelton (Leslee) of Clear Lake,Ca. Grandchildren Tyler, Stormie, Levi, and Anissa. Great grandson Trenton and the newest Tyler (TJ). And many numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Pierce Mortuary on Wednesday, May 30 at 1:00 pm.