Grandma Carol Turnbull Named 2024 Cambridge Rodeo Grand Marshall
On July 21, 1929 Carol Virginia Organ was welcomed into the Salubria Valley as the first child to Charles and Anna Organ. Carol was active in ranch life, working in the fields as well as supporting the migrant crews that performed harvest and other activities. Her grandmother Phileta recognized Carol’s potential early and began home schooling her at an early stage. This allowed Carol to begin school at the old Salubria School, bypassing the first grade because she could already read and do figuring. Carol excelled in school while simultaneously keeping up on her ranch and household duties such as tending to chickens, hogs, milk cows and more. Her father Charles was an active outdoorsman and being the only child, Carol was regularly involved in the weekend fishing trips and hunting for elk, deer and bear. She was an accomplished fish cleaner.
Carol finished her high school education at Cambridge high school in 1946, graduating as the valedictorian of her class before enrolling at the University of Idaho in the fall of ‘46. In 1950, she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a double major in English and her father gave her a rifle as a graduation gift! It was at the University of Idaho that she met and was courted by Robert Wayne Turnbull who had recently returned from military service. They married in August 1950 in the Salubria valley.
Rob and Carol had four children: Lynne, Neil, Ray and Arlan. Many happy memories ensued that included hard work on the ranch, skiing at Hitt mtn, water skiing at C Ben Ross and Brownlee reservoirs, participating in 4-H, the Masons and Jobs daughters. These activities developed their thirst for travel throughout the country. On top of ranch activities, Carol was involved in supporting her community. She served years on the library board, volunteered with the elections and served on Farm Credit and the Soil Conservation Board. She was involved for years in the Eastern Star and the Baptist Church.
Following Roberts’ passing in 1993, Carol continued to manage the ranch as well as travel with friends and family throughout the U.S. and Canada. Carol remains active today with the ranch and her church. Family is and has always been her priority, particularly the 10 grandchildren followed by 15 great-grandchildren. At the age of 94 Carol decided she was old enough and had enough time to enjoy the Senior Citizens. Her proudest possession is the sight of the new generations that are growing and blossoming today. Her flower garden still brings beauty to her church all summer long.
The Cambridge Rodeo Board is honored to select Carol Turnbull. She has given so much to our community. Carol is always active and contributing but doesn’t ever need any glory or recognition. She is famous for her flower blooms that she often shares with anyone in need of flowers, as well as her pies; a highly sought after commodity at church potlucks and community fundraisers. Congratulations to Carol on this honor. She is always the life of any conversation and a wealth of Cambridge/Salubria history.
