Carla F. Converse

1982 - 2013

On May 28, 1982, in New Boston, Texas, Mildred and Michael O'Hair along with siblings, Dena, Michael, Shane and Brian, welcomed into their home, a beautiful little girl they named Carla Faye. She immediately filled their lives with happiness and a whole lot of activity. She and her friends kept everyone on their toes.
On July 3, 2013, after a four-wheeler accident, the Lord and Carla's parents welcomed her into her new heavenly home.
Carla grew up loving to play all kinds of sports, especially softball, and she loved to cheer on her Texas Rangers. She enjoyed fishing, camping and just about anything outdoors. It was traditional in her family to have nicknames. She was lovingly named "Carla Pot Pie." All of her family and friends have enjoyed all the names she would come up with for them.
She first came to Alaska in 1997 for a family reunion in Delta Junction and to visit her brother, Brian, who was stationed at Fort Wainwright.
In 1999, at age 17, she traveled alone back to Fairbanks. It took two weeks by Greyhound bus to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, and then by van to Fairbanks. She never rode in a bus again. After finishing school, she graduated from Lathrop High School in 2000.
Art was another important part of her life. She attended UAF to pursue her love of art. She had painted several pieces for family and friends. Color and texture were a real part of how she lived life.
On July 21, 2007, she married the love of her life, Jason Converse. They have a wonderful 5-year-old son, Noah Clayton. They attend Radiant Church in Fairbanks. Together they enjoyed watching and helping coach Noah's T-Ball team this summer. Noah shares her love of painting, so they gathered rocks when they went fishing and they would paint them together. Carla and Jason also enjoyed playing on bowling and softball leagues together.
But, by far, her favorite activity was playing on a pool league with all the friends she cherished most. She and her team went to Las Vegas to play in the regional competitions there. She was a very good player. Carla was a great bartender. She even created a new drink she called the "Carla Kool Aide." 
Carla's contagious smile and laugh and love of life enriched everyone around her. One could not help but love her.
Carla is survived by her husband, Jason Converse; and son, Noah, of North Pole; her sister, Dena Maldonado, of Clarksville, Tenn; her brother, Michael O'Hair, of New Boston, Texas; her brother, Shane O'Hair, of Corsicana, Texas; her brother, Brian O'Hair, of Clarksville, Tenn.; her parents-in-law, Ken and Julie Converse; and her brothers and sisters-in-law, Jeremy and Hannah Converse, Jonathan and Amity Converse, and Joshua Converse.
Thank you to everyone for your overwhelming outpouring of love and support and prayers. We could not have managed so far without you.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 13, 2013, at Bethel Church, 5.6 Mile Farmers Loop. Loren Morrall will officiate.
Memorial contributions can be made to Carla Converse, Mt. McKinley Bank, 1380 University Ave., Fairbanks, AK 99709. For condolences and information, call (907)-474-1770.