Carol Jean Saltz passed away peacefully the morning of December 3, 2025.  She was born to Henry and Adeline Ellmann March 21,1930 in Lake Elmo, Minnesota.  The family lived on a small farm, and she attended a one room country school for her elementary education.  Because her father's business was primarily in St. Paul, she and her siblings attended Harding High School there, a 20 mile trip to and from school every day. Following high school, she worked as a secretary in the Social Service office of what was a hospital for crippled children.  After two years, she decided to go back to school and majored in elementary education.  She taught for the St. Paul school district for twelve years.

It was in college that she pursued her interest in music and became an organist.  Being a church organist was always a part time job.  She met her husband while serving as organist at his church.  Since his work was with the railroad testing rail for defects and his territory was the southwest, her new home became Fallbrook California.  During the years that followed, she was a stay at home mom raising her children and giving piano lessons to many wonderful children, the joy of her life.

Her three siblings pre-deceased her all at 92 years of age and in the order in which they came into this world, Myron, Glen and Lucile.  She is survived by her two sons – Mark and Matt; three grandchildren - Monica, Isaac and Nathan; five nieces – Lori, Cara, Holly, Janice and Cindy  and 1 nephew - Brad.  Carol lived a long a fruitful life – and will be missed by all who knew her.  We loved her very much.

Memorials may be given to Zion Lutheran School.  Services celebrating her life will be held at Zion Lutheran Church on Saturday, February 7th at 11:00 AM PST.