Carmen Virginia Svancara

Carmen Virginia Svancara July 2,1917 - December 22,2013 Carmen Svancara, age 96, passed away on Dec. 22,2013 at the Woodstone Retirement Center after an age related illness. Born Carmen Virginia Decker on July 2,1917,near Gooding, ID, she was the daughter of Clarence and Ruth Decker. Her father was an employee of the Oregon Shortline Railroad, eventually retiring as an engineer, and her mother managed home and family domestic affairs. Carmen also had a younger brother, Leland, who died in 1990. She attended public schools in Pocatello, ID, and then went on to graduate from the University of Idaho (Southern Branch) in 1939 with a degree in teaching. She pursued her chosen career for six years, teaching initially in the Ashton School District and eventually finding her way to the rural Lucerne School District where she met and married Arnold Svancara in 1944. Together they built a life on their farm located near the Lucerne School and raised three sons: Richard - born in 1946 and currently farming near Castleford, ID; Thomas - born in 1950 and a victim of a fatal accident in 1997;Ted - born in 1952 and currently living in Boise, ID, and employed as a commercial pilot with Horizon Air. Carmen and Arnold were both active in the local Lucerne Grange, each serving in their turn as Master. Carmen was also deeply involved with the grange produce booth displayed each year at the Twin Falls County Fair. Her pride and joy were the superbly crafted grain sheaves. Carmen later became a member of the United Methodist Church. She loved singing in the choir for 10 joyous years. In 1993 she sold the farm to son Tom and moved to Twin Falls living at the Woodstone Retirement Center. While at Woodstone, she continued her teaching ways by conducting spelling bee contests with the residents. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Arnold in 1977, son Tom, and brother, Leland. She is survived by her sons, Dick [Debby), Ted (Joanie), and daughter-in-law, Anita; five grandchildren Keri, Mark, Greg, Dana, and Jennifer; two step-grandsons Terry and Dayne; and two great granddaughters Taylor and Ali. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice to honor Carmen. Our Family would like to thank the staff of Woodstone for all the love and care that you've shown to our mom for so many years. Memorial Services for Carmen will be held Friday, December 27, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, Idaho. Those wishing to share memories and condolences may do so at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com