Carol Ione Larson Arnold

February 6, 2020

Carol L. Arnold Carol Ione Larson Arnold joined her heavenly Father on February 6, 2020, after 11 months battling brain cancer. Born at the Larson family farmhouse on January 23, 1937, in Hills, MN, she is survived by her beloved husband, Ernest “Ernie” Arnold, sons Mark and Eric Arnold, daughter Kristin Arnold, daughters-in-law Karen and Katherine Arnold, eight loving grandchildren: Mitchell, Nicholas, Trey, Hailey, Lauren, Elise, Briana (Windhausen), Lindsey (Windhausen), sister Audrey Jean and her husband John Westberg, and countless cousins, nieces, and nephews from the eleven siblings who passed before her. After graduating from Augustana College (SD) in 1958, Carol moved to Billings, MT to teach high school English. There, she met Ernie on a blind date. They kept in touch through letters when Ernie traveled for work. After marrying on December 30, 1961, the couple called a number of places home, including Philadelphia, PA, Lisle, IL, and, finally, Penfield, NY, where all three children graduated from high school. Carol always put her faith and her family before anything else. So, after retiring, she and Ernie moved to Houston, TX to be near Mark’s family and (ultimately) three of their grandchildren. After the Air Force moved Mark and his family away, they moved to Northern VA to be near the other grandchildren, arriving in town only two weeks before granddaughter Briana was born. In 1988, she wrote, “Eventually I hope for grandchildren and comfortable retirement in a warm climate, concerts and ball games, Christmas dinners and summers at the beach together, lending a helping hand, praying together.” Barring retirement in a warm climate, the rest of her dreams came to fruition. She even saw the Washington Nationals win the World Series in 2019! Carol loved the beach, writing poetry and short stories, and spending time with family. She sang beautifully and baked the best pies and Norwegian desserts. She was always looking for ways to love those around her and ways to serve God in her family and community. Since 1998, Carol has been an active member of Old Bridge United Methodist Church as a choir member, Stephen Minister, and senior pilgrim (to name just a few). Her favorite Bible verse was Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Family and friends are invited to attend her memorial service at Old Bridge United Methodist Church located at 3966 Old Bridge Rd., Woodbridge on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in Carol’s name to either the American Brain Tumor Association, https://give.abta.org/give/261975/#!/donation/checkout, or Old Bridge United Methodist Church. OBUMC will use any contributions made in Carol’s name to support mission work. Precedence There is a quiet scene upon the hill… The clouds are resting there, Serene and still. But now the dark ones move From some strange cue; They shift, entwined, and then they part To let the sunbeam through. -CLA KRIS If I could just tuck this moment Into the leaves of a book And press it like a rose Then years from now I’d open to the page And remember Your pink smile. -CLA