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Carla Kilpatrick Obituary
Jan 24, 1960 - Mar 16, 2011
Age 51. Omaha, NE. Carla was born to Robert and Marjorie Willard and had three siblings, sisters Charlotte and Charlene and brother Charley. She grew up very involved in Girl Scouts where she received an Opportunity to Michigan and many awards including Outstanding 8th Grade Girl and her Gold Award. Carla graduated from Omaha North High School as Salutatorian in 1978. She attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD, majored in Social Work and graduated in 1982. Carla married John Kilpatrick in 1983 and they have two sons, Chad and Ryan. She began her career as a social worker for the Department of Social Services before taking a position at Florence Home. She spent her life caring for others both through her career and in her family. Carla was a very dedicated mother and quickly became known as a second mother to many of her sons' friends. She was active with the PTAs, soccer teams, Boy Scouts, church, football teams, and supporting her many nieces and nephews. Carla also became very involved in the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and other Breast Cancer support organizations, creating one of the largest Nebraska Race for the Cure teams in Omaha. Carla was known for her kindness, strength, courage, optimism, warm smile, and open arms. Carla was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1995 and battled cancer with surgeries and chemo for two years before entering remission. Her cancer returned after eleven years in remission, and she spent the last four and a half years going through many treatments and procedures. She passed quickly and peacefully in her sleep surrounded by family and friends. Carla is survived by her husband, John, son Chad and his fiancée Tanya Brettman, and son Ryan, her parents Robert and Marjorie Willard, and her siblings Charlotte Willard, Charlene (Rick) Smith, and Charley (Cydney) Willard, mother-in-law Grace Kilpatrick, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, friends, and dog Gabby. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Charley and Anna Willard and Donald and Leatta Fleming and father-in-law Charles Kilpatrick.
FUNERAL SERVICE Monday, March 21st at 10am at Olive Crest United Methodist Church at 7180 N 60th St Omaha, NE 68152. VISITATION Sunday, March 20th from 4-8pm at Braman Mortuary on 1702 N. 72nd Street and one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Burial Forest Lawn Cemetery with reception to follow back at Olive Crest. Memorials may be directed to Florence Home Assisted Living at 7915 N 30th Street in Omaha, NE 68112, her nieces' 3 Day for the Cure Walk online at www.the3day.org (click the "Donate" tab and search Marjorie Smith, Rhonda Roscoe, or Marie Roscoe), and the Pearl Community Center at 2319 Ogden Street, Omaha, NE 68110. To leave a condolence visit www.bramanmortuary.com
BRAMAN MORTUARY - 72nd St. Chapel
1702 N. 72nd St. 402-391-2171
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Carla Kilpatrick
Maddy Miller
April 7, 2011
I just learned of Carla's death. I was in a cancer support group with her. She was always so positive and kind and had a wonderful smile. My thoughts & prayers are with you in your time of grief. May memories of Carla bring comfort to all her family & friends.
Maddy Miller
Joleen Beideck
March 29, 2011
I just learned of Carla's passing since I've been out of town the past month and am so sad. I was in a cancer support group with Carla and loved her wonderful attitude and kindness. If one of us was down, she was the one to lift us up. We will all miss her.
Joleen Beideck
Barb Johnson
March 29, 2011
To the Willard Falmily, Carla's husband and sons, I am so sorry to hear of Carla's passing. I went to grade school with Carla, and we were in Browines together, sadly I moved in 4th grade. She was part of a very dear family, so kind and giving. Her mom peeled the apples she gave us for snacks, in 1 long piece! The ice skating "pond" in the back yard her dad made for the kids, she was really part of a great family. I'm sure she will be missed by everyone that she touched. God Bless all of you.
Carolyn smith
March 27, 2011
what an amazing example Carla was...battle like she did and always a smile.....such a loving and kind girl...
Dorothy Rosby
March 25, 2011
Carla made such a difference in so many lives. What a generous and loving person. I miss her so much already.
Joan Ryan
March 23, 2011
John, Chad, and Ryan:
I just learned of Carla's passing, and I wish to express my deepest sympathies upon your loss. I remember all the times Carla and I shared in junior and senior high, and we had a great time together. Carla always had a smile and a “hello” for everyone, and she truly was a friend you could rely upon no matter what. So many thoughts keep flooding back, and they are truly happy and fun memories. I am sorry that I was not able to be with you to honor her memory, but know that each and every person who had the privilege of knowing Carla will never forget her.
March 21, 2011
We were so sorry to hear of Carla's passing. She showed everyone how to live life. John, Chad and Ryan, know that you are in all of our prayers. May you keep close to your hearts all of the laughter and love. The Baumanns Bill, Delores, Matt, Josh and Jake
Kim Onken
March 21, 2011
Dear John, Chuck and families, I just heard of Carla's passing and am so very sorry for your loss. What a sweet girl who grew up to be such a wonderful woman. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Kim (Hodges)Onken
March 21, 2011
Marge and Family,
Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Collier
March 20, 2011
Carla will always be remembered as a very special caring person to everyone and I am thinking about you and your family at this hard time to get through and the days following when there will always be a part of your heart missing for her. Love, G. Aunt Ina
Amy Smith
March 20, 2011
Carla will be dearly missed.....
Beth Hamilton
March 20, 2011
We are so sorry to hear of Carla's passing. She was such a good wife and mother to her family. She was an inspiration to all that knew her. A loving and caring person that can never be replaced. Condolances to all her family members.
Pat, Beth, Phil and Danny Hamilton
March 19, 2011
JOHN AND FAMILY, SO SORRY TO HEAR OF CARLA'S PASSING. YOU AND CARLA HAD A WONDERFUL FAMILY TOGETHER. WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE MEMORIES OF YOU AND HER IN THE EARLY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY YEARS. WILL SEE YOU SUNDAY. LOVE TO YOU AND THE BOYS AND FAMILY. JODY AND BILL HOLDCROFT
Ed and Nancy Guycher
March 19, 2011
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. We're sending you a hug from afar.
Jennifer Smith
March 19, 2011
Even though I cannot be there personally to share your grief, I will be praying constantly for the family's comfort during this difficult time. I feel very blessed to have known Carla and to be able to call her family, along with all of you. Love you all.
Jennifer Smith
Vicky Porter
March 19, 2011
One of my favorite memories of Carla was after we had moved away from Omaha- but then decided to move back. We were at Miller Park with several of our "young adult group" - when Dave and I made the annoucement that we would be moving back to Omaha permanently. Carla flung her arms around me and nearly squeeezed the stuffing out of me. "You're back!" she proclaimed, joyously. That was the sort of person Carla was, loving, welcoming, joyous and strong- strong in ways we could not even imagine then. Our kids grew up together like cousins. Carla, not a day will go by that something beautiful in this world will not remind me of you. My heart goes out to John, Chad, Ryan and all of the Kilpatrick and Willard families. We love you all! Love from, Vicky, Dave, Sarah and Katie Porter
Vicki Anderson/Cunningham
March 19, 2011
Carla, I am sad that you are gone. You were always such a sweet and quiet friend that I have known since kindergarten at Florence Elementary. I always thought it was so cool that you lived right across from our school :) I always admired you. You had such a sweet spirit and sweet smile. God Bless your family. Rest in Peace. Love Vicki Anderson 'Cunningham'
Michele Roy
March 18, 2011
John, Chad and Ryan, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Carla was a fantastic women and women of many faces. She would do anything for anybody. She will be greatly missed. Mike, Michele, Krystina and Patrick Roy
Darlena Russo
March 18, 2011
To the family of Carla Kilpatrick, My heart grieves at the passing of Carla, for you and everyone who got the chance to be touched by Carla. What a remarkable person!! I got to work with her for a short time at the Florence Home, and I will never forget her warm heart and witty sense of humor. She gave above and beyond to help us when we were in need, and cared about everyone. May you feel God's comfort and peace, and take great delight knowing that she is in heaven with Jesus, talking about all of you and asking him to bless you and take care of you. Can't wait to see her again in heaven!!
Susan Prazan
March 18, 2011
John, Chad, and Ryan: We are thinking of you and remembering how special Carla has been to us and especially to Phil during his years at Omaha North. She definitely was a second mother to him. We will continue to remember her warm and positive outlook and will always be grateful for what she has given to us.
Susan, Jerry, and Phil Prazan
Ida Boxley-Tibbs
March 18, 2011
To Charlotte and family, we were so sadden to hear of your loss and wanted you to know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Carolyn Elledge
March 18, 2011
Carla brought so much joy, her smile was endearing. Cannot express all of the wonderful things she did for my family. My prayers are with the entire family.
Cindy Gilmore
March 18, 2011
Chad and family. I can not express my sense of sorrow for your loss. Amanda loved your mom and loved her food. She talks of how great the food was at your house. Your mom was a generous person and made everyone feel so welcome. May you feel comfort knowing your friends care about you, and love you.
Stormie Shane
March 18, 2011
Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Stormie (Marker) Shane
March 18, 2011
So Sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you. Pete and Cheryl Beason and Family.
Laura Havener Harris
March 18, 2011
From our earliest days at Florence Elementary, through our own high school lives at North High, Carla has been my friend. When our children were in high school, I could always count on her help with football and basketball concession sales. She was so much more than any story of her life could tell. God will enjoy her forever now.
Gayle Powell-Felt
March 18, 2011
I struggle with what to say right now. How can one find the right words to describe all that Carla meant to so many, all the goodness she was made up of, all the courage she showed us all. My life was just one of many that was truly blessed with being able to call her my friend. Thank you John, Chad and Ryan for sharing this amazing woman. My love, thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary Jo Mayberry
March 18, 2011
Dear John, Chad,and Ryan,
You guys are definitely in my thoughts and prayers. I will never forget Carla and the wonderful energy she brought to everything she did. She made me feel so welcome at Springville as Ryan and Dylan began Kindergarten together. I had no idea what she was going through at the time, with her spikey red hair and beautiful smile. It was 1995-96 and her hair was just coming back after chemo, but I had no idea and I was just having trouble letting go of my first baby. Before long she had me involved in the PTA and feeling a part of the great Springville family. I am just one of the many people whose lives have been touched by Carla and just know that I feel for you and hope you know that you are loved and thought of especially in this time of sorrow. God Bless you, Mary Jo Mayberry
Edna Fleming
March 18, 2011
For as long as I can remember, Carla was an example of salt and light to the world; truly one of God's blessings to everyone whose life she touched.
Rev. Ralph Elwyn Gaines
March 18, 2011
I never got the chance to meet Carla or most of her family but I do know Robert and Marjorie Willard, Charlotte Willard, Marjorie Smith and Marie Roscoe, and I want the family to know that I and the congregation of Living Hope United Methodist Church and the staff of the Pearl Community Center are praying for you all. May God bless and comfort you. God will walk you through this time of sorrow. And may we all claim faith in Jesus Christ, so at the end of our days, we too may gather around God's throne with loved ones who have gone on before us.
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