Carol Sue Gress, 79, of Meridian, Idaho passed away on July 1, 2024, at home surrounded by her family. Carol was born in May of 1945, to Seth and Leitha Abrahamson in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. She was the youngest of three children. She graduated from Belle Fourche High School and attended Black Hills State College and then The University of South Dakota for a short time. Carol returned home to Belle Fourche, South Dakota in the summer of '65 and met her soon to be husband, Marc Gress. Marc and Carol married May 21, 1966, in Belle Fourche at St. Paul's Catholic Church. Carol and Marc lived in South Dakota, Montana and Idaho. Carol and Marc had two children both born in South Dakota. First they had their beautiful baby girl, Gwen Gress (Green) and three ½ years later came their son, Greg Gress.
Carol considered herself a homemaker during her marriage to Marc. However, she was much more than that. Carol was the rock that kept her home together. Marc travelled for his work with the BLM and the Army National Guard, and Carol kept the home fires burning. She was a pillar of strength and stability to her children and those around her. Carol not only ran her household, but she also coached Gwen's softball teams touching and enriching many young women's lives, she cultivated amazing gardens everywhere they lived, she managed multiple rental properties and was a godsend to her elderly neighbors. Mowing, helping them take care of their yards and lending a helping hand. Carol loved being outside in her flower garden. She loved to read and at an early age she would go to the library in Belle Fourche a couple times a week. She carried that love with her until her passing finishing her last book days before she went to be with the Lord.
Carol and Marc ended up in Meridian, Idaho, and built her dream home in 2004 where she lived until she passed. Carol was extremely proud of her home and the amazing flower garden she cultivated there. She worked diligently in her yard and had a vast array of flowers and plants she grew there. She also enjoyed puzzles and completing them with her family. She was a fiercely independent woman who loved her family and enjoyed her time with them.
Carol is survived by, and will be greatly missed by, her family: Her daughter, Gwen Green of Middleton, ID, son, Gregory Gress and his wife, Michelle of Jackson, WY, grandchildren, Cameron Green of Boise, ID, Alicia Robinson, her husband, Axel and their son Felix of Midvale, UT, step grandchildren Arielle Gonzales of Middleton, ID, and Ariah Gonzales of Rome, GA, and five step great grandchildren. Her sister, Joyce (Phil) Pearson of Rapid City, SD, brother, Roger (Bobbie) Abrahamson of LaPorte, CO, and many nieces and nephews.
She is proceeded in death by her husband, Marc Gress, her parents, Seth and Leitha Abrahamson, her grandparents, Peter and Clara Abrahamson and Carl and Joy Ellis.
Carol is a beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, mentor, friend, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.