Carol Louise Ueland passed away on May 8, 2026.

She has joined her parents Nate and Sue Knecht in heaven and is survived by her husband Fred Ueland, her kids Deb Strickland, Tom Wells (Kuri), Jason Wells, and Brandy Michel (Doug), 7 grandkids, 10 great grandkids, and one great, great granddaughter. The grandkids were the light of her life. She provided them with happy adventures, unconditional love, and served as an anchor all their lives. She taught us all how to be better people.

She was the classic peacemaker and avoided making waves at all costs. Everyone got the benefit of the doubt. You could talk to her about anything, and you knew with complete certainty she would not tell a soul. Carol made sure you knew you were loved. Even though she was sweet, periodically she popped out a snarky, sarcastic jab or joke that would have everyone rolling. She was always up for an adventure. If you needed a copilot she would jump at the chance, anytime, anywhere!

While she was unassuming, she had a taste for a little mischief and adventure. Cruising the gut and messing around in the graveyard as a teenager, dancing and camping, cheering Ducks basketball, traveling and exploring. She would give new things a try and never be negative about the experience. She would say it was interesting and just never do it again.

She also had a competitive streak. She was surprisingly strong, taking on a pile of grandkids in a wrestling match well into her 70s, dragging them along the carpet. She could wield a can of whipped cream like a fencing champion, hit you every time in a water fight, and you better watch out during a game of spoons, she was not afraid to come over the table for one. Cards were a central past time and when she played, she talked trash with the best of them. A game of Skipbo or Hand and Foot will never be the same again.

She worked hard throughout her career, as a bookkeeper for the family business, Kencht’s Auto Parts, all while raising her family and staying active in the kids’ activities. Later, with help from Fred and her kids, she was a caretaker for her dad for several years. She also put her skills to good use volunteering. Lately it was helping in food delivery for Burrito Brigade and Bags of Love remembers her magical laundry and folding abilities.

Carol enjoyed Hallmark movies, plays, and her game shows. She tried out recipes from magazines and later Facebook, but still leaned into her classic cheeseball, taco salad, almond roca, German pancake, and grasshopper pie.

The common thread when telling of her passing, everyone said she was the most forgiving, nonjudgemental person they had ever known. She never met a stranger. She was fortunate to have a large group of friends that were more like family.

She loved the Oregon coast. Walking on the beach, collecting shells and rocks, just watching the ocean. That was a common thread throughout her life. They bought an RV over 37 years ago and graduated to condo life in the last twenty years. Seaside was her favorite, next time you are there, pause and take a moment to share that place with her.

A memorial service will be June 28th, 2:00 pm at the Springfield Senior Center, 215 West C Street, Springfield. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Burrito Brigade.

She will be missed by many!