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BORN
1957
DIED
2011
Karla Caswell Obituary
Karla was born to C.M. 'Pat' Martin and Violet Stone Martin in Ellensburg on August 30.1957, the Friday of her first Rodeo weekend. Karla grew up in Ellensburg swimming in the city pool and riding her ten speed around town, being cheerfully tormented by her older brothers and their friends while growing into a long legged flashing redhead. She graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1975. Karla had a variety of jobs during her life. She spent many years working at the Rainbow Motel, starting as a maid and working up to assistant manager. She was a cocktail server and bartender at many places around Ellensburg and Everett, including the old Buckboard Tavern, the Elks and most recently the American Legion. Her great talent was in flower arranging. She worked for many of the florists in town creating such beautiful arrangements that people specially requested that she do their flowers. With both brothers, her husband, and many friends being musicians, Karla spent many happy hours listening, dancing, and singing at the top of her lungs to the music. She also played a mean tambourine. It was through music that Karla met her husband, Gordy Caswell, to whom she was married for 26 eventful years. With Gordy or with friends Karla loved to travel: to the beach, to Reno and Vegas or the Legends Casino in Toppenish, to Hawaii and Alaska, or to wherever the adventure led. She loved Steven King novels, old sci-fi movies, the Simpsons and Sponge Bob, Johnny Depp and all things pirate and most of all her Irish Water Spaniel Tizz. With Karla life was never humdrum. For her every day was an event, and every event was a cause to decorate and celebrate.
Karla was preceded by her husband Gordy in April 2010, her parents, her brother Mike and brother-in-law John.
She is survived by her brother Pat (Betty Lou), stepson Brian Caswell, cousin Middy Ralston, several other cousins, her beloved Tizz, and a wide circle of friends. A Celebration of Karla's life will be held Sunday, March 27th at 2 PM at the American Legion Hall in Ellensburg.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karla Caswell
March 6, 2011
Karla and I Judged the flowers at The Kittitas County Fair the last couple of years. She made it fun and funny. Yet she was very insistent on quality. Karla and I had hung out when we were young, keggers and listening to Nash band out at diamond ring ranch. To soon to leave us. Sleep tight, Sweet dreams . See you there... Dottie Rogers
Elizabeth Ferrero
February 27, 2011
My friendship with Karla spanned over four decades from hanging out at Vi’s house in high school, concerts in Seattle, gigs all over, working at the Buckboard, decorating for Halloween; to her and Gordy’s visit when I lived in Honolulu. We had awesome time’s boggie boarding at Waimanolo and basking at Kailua Beach. Karla always knew how to live, love and laugh and she will be truly missed. See ya on the other side buddy….All My Aloha
Wendy Stone
February 25, 2011
Dear Pat and Betty Lou, I am so sorry to hear about Karla's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Julie Young
February 24, 2011
Dear Pat and Betty Lou -- I am so sad and shocked to learn that Karla passed on. She was such a bright light -- from her first steps as Patrick's little sis to the last time I saw her (too long ago). Sending you love and sympathy in this sad time.
JEFFRY FLEENER
February 23, 2011
KARLA.. YOU WILL BE SADLY MISSED words can't say enough how you and gordy will be missed. I go back in time being one of gordy's drummers for 15 yrs and (KARLITA)aka. was our tamborinist, she was always a kind hearted soul with a touch of sarcasim so may you rest in peace karlita....
Craig Sweet
February 22, 2011
Karla was always Mike's and Pat's younger sister to me. Visiting the Martin home over the years, I watched Karla grow up from a knock-kneed elementary student to a long-legged red headed young woman. Sadly, I don't think I saw her after I moved to Japan back in 1983. I wish I had. Peace be, Karla.
Marcia Hedrick
February 22, 2011
What a sad day to lose such a loving, giving woman like Karla. She was everyone's friend. I don't know one person who she didn't greet with a smile or a hug. Oh how we use to laugh and talk about the good times in high school with her father as our math teacher. You will be deeply miss my friend.
Sharon Hillmer
February 22, 2011
I will miss seeing Karla and her friendly smile and great personality at the legion whenever I come to visit.
tamie hamilton howell
February 20, 2011
I will miss seeing Karla around town. I think she might be arranging flowers in heaven about now.
Craig Sweet
February 19, 2011
Karla was always Mike's and Pat's younger sister to me
Bruce Carlson
February 18, 2011
I hadn't seen Karla in years, but I remember her from school days as a fun-loving gal with a cool laugh and a great smile. So sorry to see that she's gone way too soon. RIP Karla.
Martha (Hunt) Smith
February 18, 2011
Many great memories flooding in of Karla as the younger sister of the band boys. A beautiful free spirit.
Peace be with you.
Tracy Miller
February 18, 2011
Karla...you will be missed, your smile and your gentle soul. You and Gordy can be at peace together. Your spirit will be forever felt here in the Burg!! and everywhere else you went on your journey. Blessings, to you and to your family, Tracy Miller
John Bingham
February 18, 2011
I was in the "Burg" last fall and tried to look this girl up... Didn't try hard enough. There's a lot of water that's passed under the bridge of time and a lot of thoughts and love never adequately expressed. Karla and Gordy were dear friends and will always live in my memories. We played, laughed and loved a lot! If love transcends this life, then they can both feel a whole lot of it now.
Rich Blue
February 17, 2011
I first met Karla in the 7th grade.Although I hadent seen her in a while she was a good friend with a big sence of humor..She loved Live music and always supported local bands.she was also up for a road trip even driving me and my gear ta gigs around washington state..its hard to believe shes gone but I,ll rememberher kindness,laughter and wit !!r.i.p. dear friend
February 17, 2011
Karla was a lovely person. During the time she worked for my parents at the Rainbow Motel she became more than a trusted employee - they thought the world of her and continued to do so long after the motel was sold.
Sincere condolences to Karla's family and many friends.
Virginia (Nelson) Aden
Connie Reed, thompson
February 17, 2011
Karla you will be missed by many. I remember all the fun we had in grade school on up. You and Gordy are together once again. May you rest in loving peace.
You will be greatly missed by many!
Robyn Hull
February 16, 2011
I worked with Karla at Mabel's Cafe, when I was a teenager, and she was in her early twenties. I gave her my t-shirt that said, "rah", because it was her nickname.
We had a million laughs, and I will miss her.
Stella* Blue
February 16, 2011
The world is a little less fun today.
Gordy, and now Karla...
two people who were bright lights for me.
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