Carol Joy Anderson

Carol Joy Fox Anderson, long-time Bartlesville resident and former owner of The Orchard Gifts, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, September 20, 2025, at the Journey Home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. She was 97. Carol was born November 8, 1927, in Murray, Utah, to parents Richard and Hilma Fox. She attended schools in Utah and Colorado before graduating from Grand Junction High School in Grand Junction, Colorado. She received her Associate’s degree in education from Mesa Junior College in Grand Junction. She taught school in East Carbon County, Utah and while there she met the love of her life, Joseph Max Anderson. Max and Carol were united in marriage on June 11, 1949. They made their home in Salt Lake City while Max received his degree from the University of Utah. He began his career with Phillips Petroleum which took the couple and their family to Idaho, Texas, Oklahoma, Ohio and back to Oklahoma. Max preceded Carol in death in September 1980. She was also preceded by her parents and her dear sister, Shirley Fox Gibson. Carol was an incredible, loving mother and chauffeur to her five children and was very active for many years in all their various activities. She was involved in boy and girl scouts, school functions and sporting events, and taught Sunday and vacation bible school, just to name a few. She enjoyed her bowling leagues, bridge and Bunko clubs throughout her life. After Max’s death, Carol opened The Orchard Gifts in November 1989 and retired in 2010. She thoroughly enjoyed those years as a Bartlesville business owner and made many life-long friends. Carol had a passion for volunteer work. She was a long-time Pink Lady at Jane Phillips Hospital before opening her gift store and volunteered at Tuesday House for several years after she retired. Survivors include her daughter, Kristi, of Tulsa, OK, and four sons, Thomas (Nina) of Parker, CO, William (Theresa) of Fulshear, TX, Todd of Littleton, CO, and Timothy (LaDonna) of Tulsa, OK; four grandchildren, Todd, Christopher, Samantha and Clara Anderson; two great grandchildren, Max and Ava; three nephews, four nieces and several grand and great step children. A private family service and celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 4th. She will be interred at Memorial Park Cemetery in Bartlesville. The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be made in Carol’s name to Journey Home.

Carol Joy Anderson

November 8, 1927 - September 20, 2025