Carol Joyce Drinkwater, 96

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carol Joyce Drinkwater on April 12, 2025, at the age of 96. Carol was a beloved mother, grandmother and friend to many. She had a warm personality, and most people knew her in Leisure Park as the woman with the lovely house and the flowers that she loved so much. Carol could be found in her yard, “digging in the dirt” as she liked to call it, every warm day. She was active in the Leisure Park community, volunteering to decorate the clubhouse each month and was an avid card player. 

Carol was born in Kendrick, Idaho, in March 1929, in her grandmother’s house. Her proud parents were Egnaz and Clarice Flaig, and Carol grew up with two sisters, Pat Kuykendall and Dona McFaddin. Carol spent her adolescent years in Kendrick and Orofino before moving to Coeur d’Alene for her senior year of high school.

Carol was a trained beautician and had her own hair salon in Post Falls above Farvers Market on Seltice Road, aptly named “Carol's Beauty Salon”. Spine issues shortened her hairstylist career. She held numerous other positions in CDA over the years, including managing the restaurant at the CDA public golf course, with her last job working for GTE Alaska prior to her retirement. Her favorite term was “Well, it was 100 years ago”.

Carol married Arthur Henson in June 1947, and they had a daughter, Linda. They later divorced, and Carol married Robert West in 1952. They had three sons: Mike, Steve and Mark. Later in life, Carol married Harry Drinkwater. They had a wonderful life as snowbirds between Yuma, Ariz., and Everett, Wash.

Carol is survived by her daughter, Linda Marchand (Joe), Kent, Wash., son Michael West, Post Falls, Idaho, son Steven West (Dina), Post Falls, Idaho, and son Mark West (Julie), Hayden, Idaho. Her grandchildren include Kami, Christopher, Ty and Jay. Emily, Steven, Tobin and Nick were Carol’s great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Drinkwater.

A celebration of life will be held May 4 at 2 p.m. at the Leisure Park Club House, 1480 W. Leisure Drive, Hayden, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to CDA Animal Shelter in the name of K-Dee, Carol’s beloved furry companion. 

Arrangements by English Funeral Chapel, Post Falls. Condolences to the family at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.