Carol Ellen (Linger) Bishop, 75, of Battle Ground, Washington, passed away on October 30, 2022, after living a few months with a terminal brain tumor. She was born on January 9, 1947, in Bay City, Michigan to Ernest Maxwell "Max" Linger and Virginia Clara (Waite) Linger. She lived most of her life in Traverse City, Michigan, while spending the past five years near some of her children and grandchildren out West.
Carol graduated from T.C. Central High School in 1965. Over the years, she held various positions at the State Theatre, Cap Computer, and Michigan Mutual Auto, followed by a chapter as a stay-at-home mom. Next, and for over two decades, Carol became the face of the front desk at Grand Traverse Bay YMCA on Racquet Club Drive, where she welcomed every guest with a friendly smile and contributed many great ideas that helped shape the local nonprofit's youth and camp programming. She retired from the YMCA in 2009.
Carol had a knack for home decorating on a budget and was known for her clever use of spray paint to make her DIY dreams come true. She had an eclectic coastal cottage style and filled every space with hues of blue and green, plus a touch of coral. Her joy of decorating extended to other home and garden activities, whether that be reading magazines, watching shows, going shopping—even rearranging her furniture from time to time just to change things up.
Ever the romantic, Carol enjoyed novels, musicals, and movies that embraced themes of love, family, and enduring friendships. And she wasn't afraid to shed a few tears when a good story moved her.
A Northern Michigander at heart, Carol loved the four seasons, scenic drives, fall colors, white Christmases, snow shoeing, cross country skiing, spring trips to local garden centers, flowers all year round, sandy beaches, sunshine, sunsets, and so much more.
But more than anything, she loved her family through and through, no matter what.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, brother Terry Linger, sister Judy Anderson, and granddaughter Michaella Tafelsky.
Carol is survived by her sister Patricia (Art) Walters, brother Michael (Jean) Linger, sister Virginia (Ben) Winowecki, and brother David Linger. She is also survived by her children Tom Tafelsky, Mike (Carol) Tafelsky, Jill (Ron) Vaughn, Erica (Peter) Smith, and Megan (Rusty) Hayward, as well as several grandchildren.
A service honoring Carol will be held at Living Hope Assembly in Traverse City with Pastor Nick on Saturday, December 3, 2022 beginning at 11:00am, with a celebration of life luncheon to follow. Cremation has taken place, and interment of ashes will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Arrangements by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region ( www.habitatgtr.org ) in Carol's memory.
Memories and condolences may be shared any time on Carol's tribute page, www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .