Caroline Mitchell Woods Schlatter

Caroline Mitchell Woods Schlatter, aged 93, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2024, at 2:20 AM at UCH North in Colorado Springs, Colorado, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on March 29, 1931, in Kansas City, Missouri, Carol was the cherished daughter of James Hoyt Woods and Dorothy Tennant Mitchell Woods. She married the love of her life, James D. Schlatter, on August 1, 1953, and together they built a beautiful family filled with love, laughter, and treasured memories.

Carol earned her bachelor's degree in education and Spanish from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. She dedicated 21 years of her life to teaching in District 20 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she inspired countless students with her kindness and dedication, all while raising her five beloved children.

Carol had a deep commitment to literacy and education, as evidenced by her membership in the National Reading Society. She shared her passion internationally, teaching reading in Thailand and contributing to the Bridges to Osaka program in Japan. Her travels brought her immense joy and took her across all seven continents, including two memorable trips to Antarctica. Among her favorite destinations were Japan, where she treasured time with her dear friend Kyohei Sakuda, and Thailand, where she connected with many friends and spread the joy of reading. She imparted a lifelong love for learning and exploration to her family, teaching them the true joys of knowledge and travel.

She is survived by her children: James D. Schlatter Jr., along with his wife, Karla Schlatter, who reside in Parker, Colorado; Gary Hoyt Schlatter and his wife, Suzan Schlatter, who live in Cherry Hills, Colorado; Dorothy Bjorlo and her partner, Kristi Kircher, of Fort Collins, Colorado; Caroline Gill and her husband, Sam Gill, who live in Loveland, Colorado; and Rosemary Schlatter Graczyk, who resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Carol is also survived by her beloved friend, Kyohei Sakuda, of Japan.

She was a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren: Caroline Mitchell, James M. Schlatter, Donald Hoyt Schlatter, Kristen Gutknecht, Eric Bjorlo, Lindsey French, Nicole Middleton, Gary Hoyt Schlatter Jr., and Amanda Schlatter. She cherished her eleven great-grandchildren: Alex, Samantha, Morgan, Landon, Tennessee, Juniper, Calvin, Norah, Mason, Aubrey, and Carson.

A woman of many passions, Carol loved to travel, host gatherings in her home, and attend celebrations surrounded by family and friends. Her vibrant spirit and warmth touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and joy.

A service to celebrate Carol's life will be held at 1pm, on January 11, 2025, at Grace & St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 601 N. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80903.

In honor of Carol's life and legacy, the family requests donations be made to The Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA.ORG).

Carol Schlatter will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.