Carole Krist passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at her Kemah, Texas, home. Carole was born to Augusta and Al Grubb on December 20th, 1937 in Des Moines, Iowa. Carole initially moved with her parents to Houston as a toddler because the climate was much kinder to her dad, who suffered from asthma. She met the love of her life, Ronald Krist, at the University of Texas in Austin, and graduated as a proud Longhorn in 1959; they married shortly after graduating. While at the University, Carole enjoyed membership in the Chi Omega sorority, which she stayed involved with throughout her life. As an alumna, her proudest moment was arguably attending the National Championship game in 2005 and watching Vince Young secure the title for the Horns, while she cheered in her cowboy hat decked out with Roses.

Carole was an artist at heart. As a child, she enjoyed making her own clothes, including her very own prom dress. She was an accomplished painter and an ardent supporter of the arts in every form. She enjoyed supporting the Bay Area Arts Alliance and many other arts organizations. A lifelong Houstonian, she grew up in the Montrose area and attended Lamar High School. After raising her children, she enjoyed globetrotting from Africa to the Amazon, admiring different cultures along the way as she spent time with her husband and fellow travelers.

Carole’s commitment to mental health and wellness was unwavering. She was pivotal in establishing firm roots for the Krist Samaritan Center with her husband Ron, which focused on mental health counseling. The Center began its services in 1986 in Houston’s Clear Lake area and has grown into a renowned training program for mental health professionals and clergy counseling training. Over 200 people have graduated from the program, serving as mental health professionals worldwide, a testament to Carole’s enduring legacy and her dedication to the community.

Carole’s love for her family was a beacon of light in her life. Her children and grandchildren, who affectionately knew her as “Mimi,” were her greatest source of joy and pride. Her appreciation for all the beautiful things on earth was evident as she showered her unconditional love and support on all of them. Her love and grace inspired all who knew her, as she was a true Southern rose. She is survived by her husband Ron, their children, Kevin Krist, Scott Krist, and Karyn Scott, grandchildren Austin, Connor, Garret, Makenna, Savanna and Dylan, and brother John Grubb. A private family memorial will be held for Carole on June 16, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Krist Samaritan Center https://samaritanhouston.org/donate/ .