Obituary of Elsie Carrol Temple

Her Legacy… Elsie Carrol Temple passed away on February 24, 2022 in Oroville, California at the age of 96 from a very short illness. She was born in Pasadena, California to Russell and Mary McLaren. Her parents owned a grocery store during the depression where Mom worked as a young child. She graduated from Monrovia-Arcadia-Duarte High School in 1943. She met her future husband, Hiram Temple, who was in the Navy. Ten days later they were married in November 1945 and remained married until his passing in 2002. Mom worked multiple jobs throughout her lifetime. During World War II she was the first female tow truck driver in Chicago. She also worked as a manager for McMahan’s furniture store in Southern California and drove a school bus. The family moved to Oroville, California in the mid 60’s where she went to work for the Butte County Sheriff’s Office. Her titles there were Deputy Sheriff, Dispatcher, Matron and Correctional Officer (she went through the law enforcement academy while in her 50’s). She continued to serve Butte County until her retirement in the late 1980’s. Mom worked part time as a greeter at Gold Country Casino. Mom was very active in her children’s lives. She was involved in the Brownies, Girl Scouts, PTA mom and room mother. She was the Noble Grand in the Rebekah Lodge for many years. In her retirement years she was a very active gardener. There were six living generations at the time of her passing. Her Family… She is survived by her children Maryruth (Gerald) Sterrett of Grants Pass, Oregon; Carrol (Norman) Walker of Bakersfield; Lester Temple of San Francisco, and Tina (Ed) Hopkins of Oroville. She had eight grandchildren, many great grandchildren, many great-great grandchildren and two great-great-great grandchildren. Mom was very fortunate to have had over 95 healthy years of independence. The family would like to thank Butte Home Health & Hospice for their exceptional care. Her Farewell Service… A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Ramsey Funeral Home (530)534-3877.