Carolyn Rae Kohntopp

Carolyn Rae Kohntopp passed away on December 18, 2024 at River Rock Assisted Living Center in Buhl Idaho, after complications from a fall. She was born on January 4, 1939 at home in Castleford, Idaho, the youngest of three sisters to Gus and Ella (Zach) Kudlac. She was highly involved in 4-H and music in her early years. Her interest in music began with taking piano lessons from Teala Bellini from 1950-57 and playing the alto saxophone in high school band. She graduated as the salutatorian from Castleford High School in 1957. 

Carolyn continued her education at the University of Idaho. During that time, she participated in concert and marching band, was a member and president of Pi Beta Phi Sorority and was inducted into Mortar Board, a national society for women. She met the love of her life, Dean, at a Methodist church camp in 1956. They were the first couple married at the newly-built Castleford United Methodist Church on December 28, 1960. Carolyn received her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics with minors in English and Music in 1961. She taught home economics in Palouse Washington while Dean finished his masters at U of I. 

After college, they moved to Boise where Dean worked for the Bureau of Reclamation. After their first son was born, she continued her education and received her master’s degree in Home Economics and Sociology from the U of I in 1966. In 1967 she and her husband and two sons moved back to her grandfather’s farm where Dean began farming. Carolyn helped on the farm by doing tractor work, driving truck, baling hay, and picking up parts when equipment broke down. During this time two more sons were born. 

While being a mother, she also taught piano lessons beginning in 1967. Besides teaching her own sons piano, she taught hundreds of students including some of their children up until her accident. After her sons started school, she taught home economics for one year each at Castleford and Buhl. She also substituted at both schools for many years. Carolyn judged clothing and 4-H style reviews at several county fairs. She and Dean made sure their sons were involved in music, 4-H, and Boy Scouts. They were co-leaders of the Sunnyside Beef 4-H Club for 14 years and they were proud when all their sons attained the rank of Eagle Scout. 

Carolyn was the organist for over 50 years at the Castleford United Methodist Church. She was an accompanist for the West End Community Cantata since its inception and also accompanied many various events including graduation ceremonies at Castleford High School. She continued her private piano study with Teala Percin until 2018 at 80 years-old. 

She had a green thumb and kept an immaculate yard and several vegetable gardens. She especially loved roses and boasted that she had over 100 varieties. Carolyn was an active member of the Castleford UMC, Magic Valley Rose Society, Twin Falls Federated Music Club, Castleford Grandmothers Club, Themanus bridge group, and other bridge clubs. She was nominated by one of her students and selected to be included in the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 2001. That same year she was selected by the Twin Falls County Farm Bureau as the Farm Bureau Woman of the Year. 

In 1994, she took computer classes and kept all records for the farming operation. In 1996 she was asked to teach music at the Castleford Elementary school. She was hesitant in taking the job but her musical plays and singing performances brought out the best in the Castleford youth. Two years later she was asked to teach music in high school. She quickly built up a wonderful band program with the backing of the school administration and community. Carolyn later directed the bands and choirs in junior high and high school. Due to her extensive interaction and influence with the children of the community, she was honored by the Castleford Men’s Club as the recipient of the 2005 Outstanding Citizen Award. Carolyn believed that every child should be exposed to music for it has been proven that math and reading skills are vastly improved with a music background. She strongly believed that music instills self-confidence, with benefits that last a lifetime. In the summer of 2007, Carolyn was diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite this challenge, she underwent surgery in the fall and returned to teaching her final year, culminating with receiving the Outstanding Teacher of the Year of Castleford schools for her dedication to students, school, and community in 2008.

After retiring, she enjoyed making quilts for family members and sewing baby blankets for community recipients. She and Dean enjoyed traveling to many places including Alaska, Canada, New Orleans, and Las Vegas to visit family members and attending fair conventions. Branson, Missouri, Hells Canyon jetboating, Salmon River white-water rafting, season tickets to the Morrison Center, and multiple trips to the National Finals Rodeo were some of the exciting adventures they also enjoyed. Carolyn and Dean celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in December 2023.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Jeanne Quigley and Helen Ford; only cousin, Lee Lindeen; and youngest son John. 

She is survived by her husband Dean; sons, Gus (Saunie), Michael, and Carl (Chandra); daughter-in-law, Hilary Kohntopp Miller; grandchildren, Jared, Jessica, Lauren (Dalton) Shafer, Chandler, and Anelise Kohntopp; Ryan (Lindsey), Kacie, and Evan Bell; Warner and Hayden Mentch, and many nieces and nephews. 

We shall miss her dearly. A memorial service will be held at a later date. 

The family thanks Hospice Visions and the staff at River Rock Assisted Living in Buhl for the friendship and care provided during the months of Carolyn’s stay.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to the following: Castleford Methodist Church (PO Box 667, Castleford, ID 83321), Castleford School District Music Department (500 Main St, Castleford, ID 83321) or Hospice Visions (455 Park View Loop, Twin Falls, ID 83301). Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting her obituary page at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.