Caroline Ann Valnes

Caroline went to be with her heavenly father in the early hours of August 25th, 2025 at the age of 91. She was a much beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many.

She was born on the family farm in the small community of Pratum, Oregon to Elizabeth and Walter Giese. After the loss of her father, the family moved to Salem, Oregon soon after Caroline began attending the one room Pratum School. Caroline has two older sisters, Ruth and Marian, all of whom were very close, eventually forming the Giese trio that sang throughout area churches, nursing homes, weddings, and on First Baptist Radio. In her youth, Caroline kept a busy schedule, after school time was often spent working on farms or elsewhere to contribute to the family and to save for college. She graduated from North Salem High School in 1952, then used her savings to study at Westmont College in Santa Barbara California.

Caroline began her own family life in 1956, marrying David Brinks and over the next few years they welcomed daughter Marci Ann, and son Mitchell Vaughn to the world. They settled in the Santa Clara neighborhood of Eugene, Oregon with their house adjacent to cherry orchards and within biking distance of the Willamette River. She soon became a beloved friend and neighbor with many of these folks living and raising their families there for over fifty years.

Caroline began her career in banking in 1978 at the ten employee, single office Pacific Continental Bank on thirteenth street in Eugene. She brought special gifts of not only excellence in her work, but even more so the strength of her faith evident in all she did, her genuine concern and trustworthiness for everyone who worked or did business there, her personal and professional integrity, and a calm quiet steadfast wisdom. The bank presidents and vice presidents attribute much of their business great success to Caroline' special gifts.

Caroline and Richard Valnes were both blessed to find each other and were married in October of 1993. "Princess Caroline" (as she was known for over thirty years) and Dick found it a joy to spend each day together, grounded in their faith and love for each other. Caroline and Dick were strong members of their church and church community. They enjoyed everything they did together, whether sharing time with their family and loved ones, traveling across the country or to Europe, the Middle East, and the South Pacific, or visiting their favorite getaways on the Oregon Coast. They hiked together, welcomed many visitors together, prayed together, and led their respective families with wisdom and abiding love. Dick and Caroline even led weekly worship services in numerous nursing homes in the area with Dick providing the message and Caroline playing the piano and singing hymns with the attendees.

Caroline was a fifty plus year devoted member of Berean Baptist Church (now Redeemer Fellowship). Her love for God was ever present in everything she did and every interaction with others. She gave love unconditionally, was gracious and humble, always had a smile for everyone and was known for her kind and gentle ways. Church members remember her ever present depth, trustworthiness, wise counsel, and abiding joy. Christ's love was readily apparent through her, each day, throughout her life

Caroline loved her time in nature, whether at the beach or in her back yard. Her garden and flower beds were a special place and she always gathered a beautiful bouquet for anyone in need. Her happiness in service were in full bloom at family get-togethers, and her apple pies were a favorite at any celebration. Anyone who needed it had a listening and compassionate ear on any occasion. If that meant getting together for a mountain hike, river float, bike ride, or drive through the country-side, she would be there for you.

She was a devoted mother and grandmother who always had a hug and love for all. Her quiet strength, depth, and generosity of love will continue to serve as a guiding light for the many lives she touched during her sojourn here on earth.

She is survived by her husband Richard, Daughter Marci, Son Mitch (Jennifer), Sisters -Ruth and Marian (Clayton), granddaughters - Kira and Reyna, and by her stepfamily Mark, Paul (Belinda), John (Lisa), and grandchildren Laura, Emmi, Jared, and Grace, all of whom will miss her dearly.

Please consider making a donation in Caroline's name to Nursing Home Ministries: https://nursinghomeministries.com/.

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