Karol J. Huuskonen

Karol June (Smith) Huuskonen

Karol was born June 1, 1938 in Fallon, Nevada to John E. and Melba Smith. Her early school years were spent in Hanford, California before she came to Grants Pass in time to spend four years playing the clarinet with the Grants Pass High School band. She worked at the Rogue Food Shop beside her stepmother, Vida Smith, receiving training for her lifetime career as waitress.

Karol worked very hard while raising a blended family of seven children during the years before returning to the family home in southwest Grants Pass. As a single Mom in Southern Oregon, with a quiet honor and dignity, Karol prepared each of her children in turn to leave the home she worked so hard to provide. In the spring of this year as adults, her children once again gathered at the family home to honor Mom’s wishes that she pass her last days in that modest, tidy and well-kept home. With her passing, we are each struck with the knowledge that her life was dedicated to her children. We, like all children of loving Mother, deeply mourn her passing on April 3, 2022.

Karol was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Toivo (Tony) Huuskonen and stepson Larry Dunton.

Survivors include her children David Palmer, Zane Eric Palmer, Rosemarie Dunton Marion, Brian Dunton, Terry Dunton, stepdaughters Lynn Dunton and Raija Huuskonen Syfert; sisters Dena Smith Hurst and brother-in-law Earl Hurst.

Karol and Tony’s wishes that their ashes be scattered together will be fulfilled by the family.