Carol Busk

Carol Ann (Ralston) Busk, 76, of Maple City, died Tuesday, July 21, 2026. She was born on October 28, 1949 in Grayling, Michigan, the daughter of Theresa Majorie (Borowiak) and Harvey Joseph Ralston Sr. She graduated from St. Mary Catholic School of Gaylord in 1967. In her fifties, she earned two Associates Degrees from Northwestern Michigan College.

Carol met Ralph “Ootah” Busk in 1993 in Traverse City where they became friends. They were married in 1998 at Old Settler’s Park in Glen Lake, Michigan.

Carol held several jobs including laundry, postal service and at Walmart from which she retired. She loved her children and husband.

Carol had a profound love for history, including the mythology, legends and spirituality of American Indians. She read all of Bruce Catton’s Civil War books. Ootah and her children learned quickly that it was unwise to interrupt her while she was reading.

She loved hiking, kayaking, and travel with Ootah. She and Fred Brooks enjoyed wonderful camping trips with their children when they were young. She enjoyed knitting. Her blankets were considered masterpieces by her family. As much as anything, she loved spending time with her children and having long talks with them. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her joy.

She was a loving, loved, kind, funny, empathetic woman.

Survivors include her husband, Ootah; children Kimberly Harm, Sheri Kelley, and David Brooks; Siblings Mary Beaudry, Diane Galyean, Harvey Ralston JR, Robert Ralston, and Francis Ralston; Frederick K. Brooks, the father of her children; several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; Theresa and Harvey Ralston.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the National Museum of the American Indian.