Vendla Carol Foster

Jan 14, 1953 — Aug 22, 2026

Redlands

Vendla Carol Foster, known affectionately to all as Carol, passed away peacefully at her home August 22, 2026 at the age of 73 with her husband and two children at her side.

She was born Vendla Carol Miller on January 14, 1953 in Loma Linda, CA into a proud four-generation family of citrus growers in Bryn Mawr. Her parents, who grew up in nearby Redlands, raised Carol and her younger sister, Susan, in Banning after her father, Brookie Miller, was asked to manage the local telephone office. She attended local schools and graduated from Banning High School in 1971. Following high school, Carol earned her Associate of Science Degree from Mount San Jacinto College and became a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).

On November 16, 1974 Carol married her high school sweetheart, Rick. In 1978, they moved to Redlands, where they spent the next 44 years building their life and raising their two children, Mark and Katie, who represented the fifth generation of their family in California.

In addition to her home life, Carol worked as a phlebotomist early in her marriage at the Riverside Plasma Center, later continuing her phlebotomy work in Colton at the Plasma Center there. She concluded her professional career serving others at Mission Commons in Redlands.

Carol loved living in Redlands. She had been a member of the Junior Women's Club, Bonnes Meres Organization, The Contemporary Club and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). While her children attended Redlands Christian School, Carol was a constant supportive presence - volunteering at the annual Holland Festival, driving for field trips and helping in any way she could.

Throughout her life, Carol loved the outdoors. in their younger years, she and Rick enjoyed water skiing with family and snow skiing as well. Having spent childhood summers at her family's trailer which was kept year round in Oceanside, CA beginning at age 7, she lovingly carried on that tradition by bringing Mark and Katie to the very same Oceanside park for most of their childhood. She also loved the mountains and loved spending time in Big Bear with the family.

After she stopped working, she and Rick would spend time with family for 2 to 3 months a year at Twin Lakes, CA, just above Bridgeport, CA

Traveling was her delight, she always passed along her mother-in-laws philosophy….once youre done with one trip or family event, it's time to start planning another so you always have something to look forward to. They were able to go to Walt Disney World several times while raising the kids and visited again several times later in life. She also enjoyed cruising which included trips to Puerto Vallarta, Alaska, 2 times round trip from San Francisco to Hawaii and most recently from New York up to the New England coastline with her sister and brother in law, Susan and Mark.

Above all else, Carol will be remembered for her kindness and compassion for others. Her constant little companion for nearly 16 years was her dog, Jenny who loved to ride in the truck and be by her side every night. She also adored her “grandkids"- the family cats, Anakin & Starlord along with her “youngest”, an energetic, loving rescue that is so mixed but looks and acts like a Border Collie, Oreo. Each of whom brought her immense joy.

Though Carol faced significant health challenges beginning in early childhood that continued through her adult life, her spirit remained resilient. She lived with profound gratitude, always thankful for the skilled doctors and nurses who saved her life many times, granting her precious extra years to cherish with the family and friends she held so dear.

Carol is survived by her devoted husband, Rick; her loving children, Mark and Katie; her sister, Susan and her brother in law, Mark; her brother in law, Rodger Foster of Banning, CA and her brother and sister in law, Don and Diane Foster of Cherry Valley, CA. She is also survived by many dearly loved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

A family memorial service will be held in Knoxville, TN

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Send a Gift

Share Vendla Carol Foster's obituary with others.

Stay updated

Share this obituary with others

Print

Vendla Carol Foster

Jan 14, 1953 — Aug 22, 2026

Redlands

Guestbook