Carole Ann Korff, 77, of Cheney, Washington, passed away at her home surrounded in love on December 28, 2023. She was born on January 5, 1946, in Pasco, Washington, and lived in Spokane for 36 years before moving to Cheney in 1992.

Carole Ann's parents, Gilbert and Helen Cooley, began dating in high school in Hinton, Oklahoma, where Helen was born. They married in 1940, and moved to Pasco, Washington; Gilbert served in the Navy during World War II. Carole Ann and her younger siblings John and Mary were all born in Pasco (1948 and 1954 respectively). After his military service, Gilbert started Powers Candy and Nut Co. in Pasco. In 1956 he moved his family to Spokane to grow Powers into a national candy and nut wholesaler. The Cooley family enjoyed frequent travel for Powers, and Carole continued this love of travel throughout her life.

Carole Ann married Leon Phelps, Vietnam veteran and helicopter pilot, in 1967, and together they had a son, Christopher B. Phelps (Chris) in 1971. Carole Ann was sadly widowed in 1980 following a motorcycle accident.

Carole Ann earned two Bachelor's of Arts degrees from Eastern Washington University (EWU) - one in English with a minor in Philosophy and one in Education. Carole Ann's life, career and family was centered on education, and she instilled the love of learning into Chris; they even took a class together at EWU. She proudly retired from the West Valley School District in 2007 after teaching English for 31 years at the middle and high school levels. She cherished her 4 years as the Debate coach at West Valley High School. She took deep satisfaction in, and was also demanding of, her students and their ability to support an argument for both sides of an issue. Carole Ann was also an avid music and theater fan, and was a season ticket holder for the Best of Broadway series. She also supported a number of charities, and specifically loved the work and mission of the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery, a local charity very close to Carole Ann's heart.

Carole Ann was married to Ervin Korff for 41 years. They shared a love of travel and made wonderful memories with friends and family on their boat at the cabin on lake Coeur D'Alene and during trips to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. In the summer of 2015, they drove an RV through Alaska, and enjoyed it very much. In early 2023, she took her granddaughters Grace and Olivia to Fairmont Hot Springs, Canada, despite being very sick. It was a trip the girls will remember forever.

Not all was easy in Carole Ann's life, and she endured difficulty with both grit and grace. Above all of her accomplishments, Carole Ann would declare her greatest pride and joy were her granddaughters Grace and Olivia. She loved every minute she spent with them, and they were blessed by that devotion.

Carole Ann is survived by husband Ervin Korff, brother John Cooley, sister Mary Stark (Thom), son Chris Phelps, granddaughters Grace and Olivia Phelps, stepsons Erin and Tyler and step grandchildren Vance, Leo and Delilah, dog Stella, and cat Muffin. She is preceded in death by Leon Phelps, Gilbert Cooley and Helen Cooley. Carole Ann is remembered as a devoted mother and grandmother, a loving wife, and a caring and generous friend. May her memory be a blessing to all

We would like to offer a special thank you for the outstanding and loving care provided by Providence's team of oncology doctors, nurses, and staff both at the hospitals and through Providence Hospice to Carole Ann and her family at the end of her life's journey. In lieu of flowers, please consider learning more about, volunteering at, or donating to Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery and their important work in our community. A public visitation will be held at Ball & Dodd on Saturday, January 13, between 2 and 6 pm. The funeral service will be on Monday, January 15, at 11 am at Ball & Dodd, 5100 W Wellesley Ave., Spokane, Washington, 99205.

Published by Spokesman-Review on Jan. 7, 2024.