Carol Virginia Turnbull

Carol Virginia Organ Turnbull

On July 21, 1929, Carol Virginia Organ was welcomed into the Salubria Valley as the first and only child to Charles and Anna Organ. Her grandmother Phileta recognized Carol’s potential and began home schooling her at an early age. This allowed Carol to bypass first grade at the old Salubria School as she could already read and do figuring. Carol excelled in school while simultaneously keeping up on her ranch and household duties such as tending to chickens, hogs, milk cows and more. Her father Charles was an active outdoorsman and being the only child, Carol was regularly involved in the weekend fishing trips and hunting for elk, deer and bear. 

At the age of 16, Carol graduated from Cambridge High School in 1946 as the valedictorian of her class and that fall, she began at the University of Idaho. In 1950, she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a double major in English and her father gave her a 270 rifle as a graduation gift! It was at the University of Idaho that she was courted by Robert Wayne Turnbull who had recently returned from military service. They married in August 1950.

Rob and Carol had four children, Lynne, Neil, Ray and Arlan. Many happy memories ensued that included hard work on the ranch, skiing at Hitt Mtn, water skiing at C. Ben Ross and Brownlee reservoirs, participating in 4-H, the Masons, Eastern Star, and Job’s Daughters. As the family grew up and left, Rob and Carol enjoyed traveling around the country. 

On top of ranch and family responsibilities, Carol was involved in supporting her community. She served many years on the library board, volunteered with the elections and served on Farm Credit and the Soil Conservation Board. She held many positions in the Eastern Star, at both the local and state level. 

The Cambridge First Baptist Church has been an important part of Carol’s life. She supported her church in many ways including serving as the clerk and on the building committee. Last spring, Carol rededicated herself to God through a second baptism. She spoke of her church and the North Star being her two constants through ever-changing times.  Most every Sunday from spring to fall, Carol created bouquets with the flowers from her abundant garden, bringing beauty into her beloved church. 

Following Roberts passing in 1993, Carol continued to manage the ranch as well as travel with friends and family throughout the U.S. and Canada. At the age of 94 Carol decided she was old enough and had enough time to enjoy the Senior Citizens. 

Family has always been Carol’s priority, particularly the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  They are the proudest accomplishments of her lifetime. Carol was predeceased by her husband Robert. She will be lovingly remembered by her four children and their families:

Lynne and Roy Penniket, Erin Penniket, Carolyn Amundsen, and Colin Penniket.

Neil and Judy Turnbull, Melissa Fisketjon, Matt Turnbull, Tara Kelly. 

Ray and Vickie Turnbull, Tyler Turnbull, Jake Turnbull.

Arlan and Shannon Turnbull, Toby Turnbull, Darby Turnbull.

A special friend and part of the family – Sheila Marchbanks.

And the 15 and counting treasured great-grandchildren and so many special 

friends from near and far. 

The service will be held at the Cambridge 1st Baptist Church on Thursday, March 20 at 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Cambridge Library.