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In memory of

Carrol Foland

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 100

Carrol Grace Thorson Anderson Foland spent 100 years living, and loving and caring for her family, friends, and community. She died January 6, 2021 at the Philip Hospital of natural causes with family around her.

Carrol was born October 20, 1920 at her grandparent’s home on the North Fork of the Bad River to Thorval G. and Mary (Jensen) Thorson. Her younger brother, Ned, was born six years later. Carrol grew up in the Philip area, went to school and played with her lifelong friend, Muriel (Ronning) Kjos. She graduated from Philip High School in 1938 and attended Black Hills Teachers College with her cousin, Dottie Rice where they obtained their teacher’s certificate. She returned to Philip and worked under Mrs. Catherine Griffith, the Haakon County Superintendent of Schools. Later she worked for the Philip bank. On May 2, 1942 she married Wallace Anderson and they moved to number of military bases across the country during his service time. To this union were born two sons: Robert born in 1944 and James born in 1945. Wallace died in a crop-dusting accident in 1950.

Carrol married Vern Foland on September 20, 1953 and to this union were born four children, Mark, Kay, Mary, and Judy. Vern and Carrol lived the remainder of their lives on the Foland Ranch, north of Ottumwa until they moved into Philip in 2004. After a stroke in 2011 she resided at the Silverleaf Assisted Living or the Philip Nursing Home.

Carrol was an involved and active member of her church and community. She was a life-long and faithful member (over 78 years) of the Order of the Eastern Star, serving in all offices. She was the Worthy Matron with Vern, the Worthy Patron when all three daughters were initiated into the OES in 1978. She also served as a Grand Representative in the SD Grand Chapter for several years. Carrol was active in the First Lutheran Church, and a member of ladies’ circles in both Philip and Midland during her life. She and Vern were part of a Lutheran couples Bible study in the Ottumwa area. She was a history enthusiast and enjoyed reading and studying state and local history. Carrol had a love for writing and journalism and wrote news for the Pioneer Review for 50 years, up and through her 90th birthday. She was a founding member and long-time leader of her Extension Club, and active in Farmer’s Union and 4-H with her children. Carrol loved to play cards and spent many years with her bridge club friends enjoying the game. She played a mean game of scrabble with anyone she could find, and her family can attest to her skill with words. She was the organizer and leader when gathering others together. She was an excellent cook and known to all her family for the infamous breakfast pancakes she would make.

Most of all Carrol was kind and loving to those in her life. She worked tirelessly to support and contribute to her children as they grew into adults who thrived. She was tremendously proud of her grandchildren and remembered them for years on their birthdays and at Christmas. She loved unconditionally and had a determined and quiet strength (well quiet most of the time unless she was yelling ‘VEEERN……’ out the back door). She lived a long and exemplary life raising and educating her children, loving and supporting our father and being an example to her friends and church members. Carrol touched many lives and was the spiritual leader of the family. She will be deeply missed, but we know she is at peace.

Carrol is survived by her children: Robert (Sandy) Anderson, James (Kayleen) Anderson, Mark (Karen) Foland, Kay Foland, Mary (Creighton Tevlin) Foland, and Judy (Wayne Yanda) Foland. She is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Wallace Anderson and Vern Foland; brother, Lawrence Ned Thorson and sister-in-law, Jackie Thorson; daughter-in-law, Dianne Anderson; granddaughter, Sharon Ellwein; and great-grandson, Dalles Brucklacher.

Private family graveside services will be held at the Masonic Cemetery.

A memorial to the Evergreen Chapter #97 of the O.E.S. has been established.

Cards and memorials may be sent to 6815 Riviera Ct. Rapid City, SD 57702.

Private family graveside services will be held at the Masonic Cemetery.

  • Sorry for the loss of your mom ,she was a great lady! Not very many make it 100! You will treasure many memories . ~ Bill and Pennie Slovek Philip Sd (1/13/2021)
  • On behalf of the Schofield family I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family. Carrol is fondly remembered for her involvement in the Ottumwa School activities and 4-H. She was a grand woman. She will be missed. ~ Mary Hengstler Sundance, WY (1/10/2021)
  • Grandma you were there since day 1 of my life. I am very fortunate to have had you as a Grandma. Grandma you were a wonderful and loving person! I am going to miss you very much. I know you are enjoying all the wonderful desserts up in heaven! Loved your pancakes and lemon cake so much! Love you! Granddaughter Audra ~ Audra Yanda Carlsbad CA (1/10/2021)
  • Many accomplishments throughout her life. ~ Denny & Wliza Yanda 3045 Saybrook Circle Green Bay, WI 54311 (1/10/2021)
  • Thoughts and prayers to the family in your time of loss. ~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter Kadoka (1/10/2021)
  • We will miss our dear friend Carrol. Such a capable, intelligent and caring mentor. Loved by many. God bless her family and her legacy. ~ Kenny & Lyndy Ireland Philip, SD (1/10/2021)
  • What a beautiful & graceful lady she was. I always enjoyed visiting with she & Vern when I would see them downtown. So sorry for your families loss. ~ Cindy Nuzum Wall, SD (1/9/2021)
  • sorry to hear about Carol's passing,prayer's for all ~ Joann Stark IA (1/8/2021)
  • So many happy memories of Carrol and enjoyed our regular coffee, scrabble (very competitive), those pancakes (disappearing fast), and Vern and Carrol's regular visits to/from Yuma, Hemet and Carlsbad. Peace... ~ Wayne Yanda Carlsbad CA (1/8/2021)
  • Memories of Carrol are many she was a great neighbor for years and we've missed her writing the Ottumwa news. She raised a great family. Praying for all of you. She and Vern are together again. Memories will be coming to you for soothing your cares and missing a wonderful Mother. Connie Lee ~ Connie Lee Midland TX (1/8/2021)
  • Sad for Grandma's passing, but so happy she is now in a better place and back with Grandpa. Her buttermilk pancakes were always heavenly, so I imagine they're fitting right in. Miss you and love you Grandma ~ John Lind New York City (1/8/2021)
  • I have loved, admired, and respected Carrol all of my life. My heart filled with pride to tell others she was my Godmother....and lately to brag about her 100th Birthday as well. Though it will be hard to say a final goodbye tomorrow, God has shared her with us and glorified our lives because of her.
    How Blessed we have been and how we will miss her! Though my heart weeps with sadness, I can only imagine how she feels dancing in the sky with Vern and surrounded by God's angels.
     ~ Shar Moses Philip (1/8/2021)
  • I'm so sorry to hear of Carrol's passing, may she rest in peace with our Lord above. She was a very special Lady. Prayers and hugs to all of the family during this difficult time. ~ Myrna Kary (Blom) Bullhead City, AZ (1/8/2021)
  • Was so sorry to hear of Carols passing. We used to get together for coffee at the Ottumwa Post office back a year or so ago!!. Enjoyed visiting with her and of course she was always helping with 4-H and anything else kids were involved in. She lived a wonderful life. Wow...100 years and for most of them she was busy doing and helping others. What memories you have to share. Gods Blessings to all of you. ~ Shirley Dennis Philip, SD (1/8/2021)
  • Sorry to hear about Carrol ~ Dean Heeb Ottumwa (1/8/2021)
  • It was an honor to care for Carrol. She was quite the lady! May God give you peace during this time of grief. Keep all those great memories close during this difficult time. ~ Carmen Fees 309 Oak St., Box 1011 (1/8/2021)
  • To all of the Foland family I send my sympathy to you. May God bless each of you now and the days ahead. Loved all of you as neighbors and friends for years. Carrol always had a cup of coffee ready when one would visit. Take care and God Bless. ~ Vicki Neiderworder Presho SD (1/7/2021)
  • So very, very sorry for your loss. Prayers to all the family. So many good memories you must have and such good care you took of your Mom! May God help you through this hard time. ~ Larry and Julie McLaughlin Midland (1/7/2021)
  • Our Prayers and Thoughts to the Family. Carol was a sweet lady with a big Heart. God Bless. ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler Sturgis, SD (1/7/2021)