From: Carol W Melchert Guthrie (1936-2019) - Find a Grave Memorial

Carol W Melchert Guthrie

 Birth     Aug 1936

  Springfield, Greene County, Missouri, USA

Death    Aug 2019 (aged 82)

 Missoula County, Montana, USA

Carol W. Guthrie left us to join her beloved pilot, (Joe) on Aug. 11, 2019. Carol passed away peacefully at her home in the Ninemile Valley near Missoula.

Carol was born in Springfield, Missouri, to Floyd and Ruby Melchert. Her youth was brisk with youthful adventures like hopping trains to visit nearby friends, crawdadding at the local watering hole, and sneaking into the slaughter house for horns and tusks. Seeking opportunities elsewhere, her family eventually settled in the Antelope Valley area of California. There, on the family ranch, she consistently outperformed her male counterparts as she wrangled livestock, bucked hay and herded poultry. In addition, she became an avid horseman, winning numerous rodeo and horsemanship awards, all while attending school. After graduating from high school, at the young age of 17, Carol began her long and illustrious career at the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) at Edwards Air Force Base in California. She had a meager beginning as a clerk in the budget office. Through her hard work, intelligence and tenacity, she quickly became the budget officer in 1975. A short time later she became the deputy comptroller in 1979, and she served in that position until her retirement in 1991. During her time at Edward's Air Force Base, Carol met the love of her life, Joe, who was the commandant of the test pilot school at Edwards. After both retired, they packed up and moved to the Ninemile Valley in western Montana, where their dream home awaited.

Carol and Joe quickly established themselves as part of the Ninemile community. Carol was keen in keeping Ninemile's conservation, history and beauty at the forefront. She was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Carol helped designate the Ninemile Stark School House and the Church as part of the National Register of Historic Places. Carol's greatest asset was her prolific skills as an author, commentating in publication in several books about Glacier National Park, including its centennial book. She was the recipient of several writer's honors for her contributions. Up until her passing, Carol kept writing. Her first book, "The First Ranger," had just been republished. She also added-in and co-authored several books that include, "Lady Long Rider," "Death and Survival in Glacier National Park," and several others.

Carol was the "Leading Lady" of the Air Force Flight Test Center; a prolific supporter of the Ninemile community; a wonderful woman, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, mentor, our heart and soul. She will truly be missed.

Carol's memory forever lives on through her children, grandchildren, step-children, friends, coworkers and anyone that ever met her.

From Theresa McClain (edited)

Carol worked directly for the Center commander  She had an enormous amount of power and influence.  Unfortunately many of the people who could attest to that have passed!  For example, she and Joe Guthrie worked together successfully on keeping the Test Pilot School at Edwards when there was a scheme to consolidate it somewhere else. She worked closely with Fred Stolliker, Phil Brady and other Center tech directors and several AFFTC generals.

Carol was the first civilian comptroller.  She became comptroller after Col Terry retired; she had been his deputy.