Obituary of Carleen J. Lord

Carleen Lord, 90, died October 16, 2023. Carleen was born in Los Angeles, CA, on January 15, 1933, in the midst of the Great Depression. She said she was a true Idahoan since birth. Both parents were originally from Idaho and returned with their family in 1944. Carleen attended Boise High School where she exhibited her athleticism playing on tennis and softball teams. She graduated in 1951.

Carleen planned to attend Boise State Junior College until as she says, “fate intervened.” She met and married “this tall, nice looking, rancher’s son” Erin Lord in Mayfield, Idaho. They married on October 2, 1951, two eighteen year old kids with $50 in their pockets, an old Studebaker car, and a dream. Children Phyllis and Jeff followed.

Carleen was a devoted mother and wife. She raised a garden, canned for winter on a wood stove, gathered eggs and cared for their home. She and Erin enjoyed dancing especially at the Mayfield Community Hall. Understanding the value of 4-H to her children she helped as a leader and judge in addition to mentoring her own children in their many projects.

She was an active member of the Boise Valley CowBelles and Idaho Cattlewomen, holding many positions and eventually serving as State President. She was the youngest woman, at the time, to ever hold such a position. In 2004, she was named Idaho Cattlewoman of the Year.

Carleen immersed herself in community. She held several positions in the Republican Party and campaigned actively for Republican candidates. She was the recipient of the Idaho State GOP Hall of Fame Award for Outstanding County Chairman and the Ronald Reagan Freedom Medallion. Carleen was also an active member of the Elmore County E911 project, working to establish road names throughout the rural county to ensure that 911 services could be accessed by all. She was a contributing editor to Crossroads, which details the history of the county and a contributing writer to the Mountain Home News in the 1950s and 60s.

Carleen is survived by her husband, Erin; daughter, Phyllis (Wayne) Duncan; son, Jeff (Tricia) Lord; grandchildren Brooke Linville; Colby (Jessica) Lord; Blas (Shaun) Thacker, Lauren Anderson; Holly Anderson; and five great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers, and granddaughter, Elizabeth Linville.

Services for Carleen will be held at Rost Funeral Home. October 21, 2023 at 11:30.