Carroll Phyllis Best, 85, of Austin died Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010 at St. Marks Lutheran Home in Austin.
Carroll was born June 13, 1924 to Hershel and Melania (Gust) Schmidt. She married Jay Best, Jr. on July 15, 1944 in Tacoma, Md. During World War II, Carroll worked in the National Headquarters of the Red Cross in Washington, D.C.  After the war, she worked as an accountant in the real estate industry in Austin. In her spare time Carroll enjoyed playing bridge, reading, gardening, and watching sports. She especially enjoyed watching her children in their activities. 
Carroll is preceded in death by her parents, Hershel and Melania Schmidt; husband, Jay Best, Jr.; siblings, Hershel Schmidt, Betty Lily and Beverly Michalek.
Carroll is survived by her children, Jay Best (Janine) III, Salt Lake City, Utah, Greta Anderson (Curt), Austin, Kurt Best, Austin, Jon Best (Nina), Austin, Mary Brodigan (Dennis), Wasilla, Ark., Pam Best-Ward (Jim), Anchorage, Ala.; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; siblings, William Schmidt (Inez), Austin, Patricia Lance, Tahoe City, Calif., Michael Schmidt (Judy), Los Angeles, Calif., Richard Schmidt (Arkie), International Falls, Minn.; nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, Shirley Wheeler, Austin, Mureyce Fossey, Minneapolis, Mary Siebald, Eden Prairie, Minn.
A Memorial service will be held Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. Pam Aandahl Solberg officiating. Visitation will be at the mortuary for one hour before the service.
Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.