Carol Springer

PRESCOTT – Carol Springer, 81 of Prescott, AZ passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family, Aug. 9, 2018. She was born to Lawrence and Nancy Purkeypile, 12-5-1936 in Buena Vista Colorado. She grew up in Greshem, Oregon. She moved to Arizona in 1969. She has been a resident of Prescott for 45 years.

She was active in Public Service, becoming State Senator, District 1 from 1991-1998. Arizona State Treasurer from 1999-2003, Yavapai County Supervisor from 2005-2012.

She was a leader in major public policy issues including creating Distance Learning Programs that affords community college students the opportunity to earn university degrees via interactive communications, co-created telemedicine programs that allow interactive communication between health care providers and their patients. She was one of the leaders who created Arizona charter schools providing parents with the opportunity to choose the best school for their child. She brought national recognition to Arizona for physical accountability including 1995 National Excellence Award for performance-based budget reforms. Consistently recognized as a “friend of the taxpayer” by the Arizona Federation of Taxpayers. Created “Stalker Law” adopted by nearly every state.

She was broker/owner of Springer Realty in Prescott. She served as President of Prescott Board of Realtors 1978-1981, First Vice President State of Arizona Farm Land Institute 1980, Member Board of Directors Arizona Association of Realtors, Member Board of Directors Arizona Title/First American Title company 1980-1984, Member Real Estate Advisory Board, Yavapai Community College Member Board of Directors, Arizona Realtors Credit Union 1978-1981 Member, Board of Directors Arizona Historical Society. “1986 Realtor of the Year”, Prescott Board of Realtors.

She was active in many water issues, creating upper Verde River Watershed Protection Coalition (UVRWRC) protecting the base flow in the Prescott active management area (AMA). Member of the Board of Directors of the Yavapai County Water Advisory Committee (WAC), Chairman of the Board of Directors of Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization (CYMPO) creating long-range regional transportation system including transit, trails and bike paths. Work to effect a land exchange with the City of Prescott to preserve the Historic Prescott Rodeo grounds site. Worked to create the Yavapai County Centennial Coordination Committee, worked to create a site on the Court House Square for Veterans Memorial. Carol was a professional bowler. She bowled on the women’s professional bowling tour for 14 years. She was a small single engine Pilot. She was a top competitive roller skater. She loved camping, reading, animals, and traveling especially to Mexico and Alaska.

She is survived by hers son’s Kent(Suzanne) of Prescott, John “Bert” (Yvonne “Von”) of Prescott Valley, Kurt(Angelina) of Oakland, California, twin daughters Carol Lynn of San Tan Valley, Arizona and Leslie(Jennifer Lobik) of Prescott, her brothers Robert “Bob”(Jan) Purkeypile of Shady Cove Oregon, Norman “Butch” Purkeypyle of Camas Washington, Gene Purkeypile(Sherry of Happy Valley, Oregon, grandsons Jason (Amber Schuler) of Prescott, Paul of Phoenix, Christopher “Chris” of Prescott Valley, Trevor Keefe USMC stationed in Virginia, Matthew and Michael Keefe from San Tan Valley, Arizona, Kai and Haven of Oakland, California, granddaughter Samantha Keefe of San Tan Valley, Arizona, great grandson Erik and greatgranddaughter Anna of Prescott, many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is also survived by her beloved dog Coco.

She is preceded in death by her parents Lawrence and Nancy Purkeypile, sister in law Linda Purkeypyle and long-time companion Sam Steiger.

Per Carol’s request graveside services are private. There will be a celebration of life at the Windsock Cocktail Lounge, 1385 Iron Springs Road Prescott, AZ Wednesday August 22, 2018 from 3:00-7:00pm, all are welcome.

In lieu of flowers she requested donations be made to the Yavapai County Humane Society 1625 Sundog Ranch Road Prescott, AZ 86301.

Arrangements were entrusted to Hampton Funeral Home.