Carol Ann Metcalf

Carol Ann Metcalf, age 88, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025 when she lost her battle with lymphoma. She left behind a legacy of love, family devotion, and preserving her ranching heritage in the Gallatin Valley. Born to William Fitzgerald Hoell and Maude Sharp Hoell on January 14, 1937, Carol grew up on the family ranch in Bear Canyon alongside her brothers, Larry Hoell and William “Buck” Hoell. She lived her entire life in Bear Canyon and Kelly Canyon east of Bozeman.

Carol attended LaMotte School and Gallatin High School. She graduated in 1955 and married the love of her life, Roy James Metcalf, on June 23, 1956. The Monday after she graduated from high school, she began working for the Montana Highway Department. She then took a position as a personal secretary for Dr. Renne at Montana State University for ten years before accepting a position as a loan officer at Empire Federal Savings (which became Sterling Bank) until her retirement when she began the best part of her life as a full-time rancher alongside her husband, Roy. They were very honored to be named the 2011 Outstanding Senior Farmer/Rancher by the Bozeman/Belgrade Chamber of Commerce.

Carol was an exceptional cook and homemaker. Her favorite expression was, “I’ll just run a bucket of suds,” and she would not rest until all her tasks were done. She juggled a full-time job with motherhood, running an immaculate household, and working on the ranch as much as her time allowed. In addition, she served as a long-term caregiver for her mother and brother as their health declined.

Carol loved horses and enjoyed riding almost until her passing. She was proud of the fact that she helped move cattle every year to and from the Forest Service permit up Bear Canyon from the age of four when she rode behind her father’s saddle up until the age of 85 when the family relinquished the permit. Carol was tireless, and her work ethic was unmatched. She could outwork anyone half her age even when she became ill with lupus and lymphoma. Her strength and determination were surpassed only by her kindness, genuine compassion, and ability to put everyone she met at ease immediately.

When Roy passed away on New Years’ Day in 2015, Carol persevered in running the ranch and household. Though she missed him terribly, Carol was a woman of strong faith, which sustained her through her loss and loneliness. She was a devoted mother to Remi and Renee, a cherished grandmother to Bret, Brooke, Chris, and Michelle, and a loving inspiration to her great grandsons Izak, Alex, Jasper, Cooper, Grayson, and Landon.

She believed that everything happened for a reason. Her grace and wit did not leave her even as cancer diminished her body. She was a devout member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church and the Foresters. She was truly one of the few people about whom no unkind word was ever spoken.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, William and Maude (Sharp) Hoell; her brother, Larry Hoell; and her husband, Roy Metcalf. She is survived by her children, Remi (Susan) Metcalf, of Big Timber, MT, and Renee (Leland) Thill, of Bozeman, MT; her grandchildren, Brooke Bare, of Big Timber, Bret Metcalf, of Big Timber, CJ (Hannah) Sundquist, of Bozeman, and Michelle Metcalf, of Bozeman; great grandchildren, Izak, Alex, Jasper, Grayson, Landon, and Cooper; brother, Buck (Jeanette) Hoell, of Bozeman, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Vigil will be held Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 5:30 p.m., at Dahl Funeral & Cremation Service, 300 Highland Blvd, Bozeman, followed by visitation and rosary. A funeral mass will be held Thursday, July 17, 2025, 10:00 a.m., at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 220 West Main Street, Bozeman, followed by a reception at the church, followed by burial at Sunset Hills Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Carol’s honor to the charity of your choice.