Carol Eve Vallee Crouch Obituary

Dr. Carol Vallee Crouch, Ph.D.
Dr. Carol Vallee Crouch, a devoted mother, proud grandmommie, loving sister, and lifelong public servant passed away at the age of 74. Carol Eve Vallee Crouch was born to John Vallee and Ada Ruth Tolbert Vallee on December 23rd, 1950, in Yakima, Washington. She entered eternal rest on July 10, 2025, in Norman, Oklahoma surrounded by her beloved children. Carol was a graduate of Richardson, TX high school. After high school, she spent 20 years as a dental consultant before earning an Indian Health Scholarship to study Environmental Management at East Central University. She continued her education and earned a Master of Public Health in Occupational Environmental Health from Oklahoma State University, then a second master's degree in environmental management from the University of Oklahoma. In 2004 she received her Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Management from Oklahoma State University and during this time her dedication was recognized with the National Presidential Fellowship for Water, Energy, and the Environment.
As member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation in Pablo, Montana, Carol held her Native American heritage close to her heart. It shaped her values, guided her work, and was a source of strength and pride throughout her life.
At the time of her passing, Carol had devoted 40 years of service to the United States Department of Agriculture. For the past 18 years, she served with distinction as the State Tribal Liaison for Oklahoma, where her work fostered meaningful relationships and made a lasting impact across tribal communities throughout the state. Her professionalism, compassion, and commitment to collaboration earned the respect and admiration of colleagues and partners alike. She was the recipient of national awards including the National Workforce Diversity Civil Rights Award which recognizes individuals who have made the most significant contributions to work force diversity by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Carol was nominated and a recipient of this award because of her "devotion and dedication to conservation and effectively working with Tribal communities". She improved the lives of thousands of tribal members by sharing her knowledge to improve their land and agricultural business. Carol truly made a difference as a speaker, mentor, and motivator at an Oklahoma and national level. Carol will be remembered for her tireless dedication to public service, her unwavering integrity, and her heartfelt advocacy on behalf of others.
Carol worked with American Indian youth illuminating educational opportunities and environmental issues. She often gave advice to young professionals and shared the elder's belief that all people are connected to earth's resources.
"Treat the earth well; it was not given to you by your parents; it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the earth from ancestors; we borrow in from our children" (2005).
Native proverb.
Carol selflessly gave to others, always putting the needs of her community and family above her own. She worked tirelessly to ensure that elderly individuals and children had access to healthy meals. She generously made countless donations so that children participating in sports had the meals, uniforms, and equipment they needed. Her deep compassion and giving spirit uplifted many.
Carol loved sports, especially cheering on the University of Oklahoma! She was a familiar and beloved presence at her children's and grandchildren's school functions and athletic events. She was a constant supporter, an encouraging voice from the sidelines, and a deeply loving "grandmommie" who celebrated every moment with pride and joy.
Carol is survived by her children: Kase Mathis and wife Genda of Pauls Valley, OK; Misty Williams and husband Brad of Davis, OK; Joe Crouch and wife Kari of Pauls Valley, OK. She is the proud grandmommie to Karsten, Spencer, Addison, Morgan, Kasey Jo, Tyler, Haily, Avri, Gavin and her great grandchildren. Carol was sister to Susan Sexton, Marcia Vallee, Diane Simpson, Sheryl Clark. Carol was preceded in death by her parents John and Ada Vallee and both her brothers Skip and David Vallee.
Carol will be remembered not only for her professional accomplishments and cultural pride, but for the love she poured into her family, the generosity she extended to others, and the lasting difference she made in her community. Her life was a beautiful example of kindness, commitment, and unconditional support. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
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