Carol M. Walford, 79 of Warwick, ND passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.

Carol Marie Bye, daughter of Harold and Myonne (Johnson) Bye was born on March 7th, 1947, in Thief River Falls MN. The oldest of three children with her brothers Ronald and James. When Carol was a young age, the family moved South of Warwick to the Archie Campbell Ranch where her dad was the Ranch Forman. Carol grew up there and attended a one-room schoolhouse in Lake Washington Township and then onto New Rockford High School graduating in the Class of 1965. She then went on to attend college in Wahpeton ND (NDSCS) pursuing a business degree.

Carol met Kenneth Walford at a gathering in Devils Lake ND and soon after they were married on October 14th, 1967, at the Warwick Lutheran Church where Carol was also confirmed and a lifelong member. They purchased land a few miles away from where she grew up, building a home and raising two boys, Harold and Kevin.

Carol started her lifelong career at the Warick Public School in the summer of 1980 as the secretary, business manager. She was a people person that was a “second mom” to many and built many lasting relationships with her peers and the students. Carol retired from the school in 2014 with an impressive dedication of 34 years.

Carol loved to sew, quilt, and keep busy on the farm. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. The best days for her were being with family and friends enjoying company. She loved where she lived and being on the farm where she called home all her life. Carol didn’t complain about much even when her health was causing her battles daily. She always had a smile on her face and was one “tough cookie.”

Carol is survived by her husband of 58 years, Kenneth. Sons, Harold (Silvia) Walford of Kennewick, WA; Kevin (Katina) Walford of Warwick ND. Grandsons, Brock (Dana) Walford; Brady (Destiny) Walford; Kellen Walford; Andrew Walford; Koven Walford; Kage Walford; Great-grandchildren, Aubri Walford; James Walford; Jaxon Walford; Jett Walford. Also survived by her brothers, Ronald (Shirley) Bye of Minot ND, James Bye of Devils Lake ND. Aunts; Beverley Johnson, June Anderson. In-laws; Gladys Walford; John Walford; Robert (Beverly) Walford; William (Beverly) Walford; Larry (Sherry) Walford; Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Carol is preceded in death by her parents Harold and Myonne Bye. Uncles Melvin Johnson, Duane Anderson. In-laws; Alfred and Rosemary Walford, Vernon and Mary Rolf, Eugene and Carol Kackman, David Walford, Janice Bye

The family of Carol would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Masood, the staff at Altru Dialysis Unit in Devils Lake ND, and the care at Altru Hospitals in Devils Lake/ Grand Forks ND. 

There will be visitation at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake ND on Friday, April 17, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service and time of sharing at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Services will be on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Warwick Public School with burial in the Warwick Cemetery. A time of fellowship will follow in the Warwick School dining hall.