Carla Sue Jeffrey

In Loving Memory of Carla Sue Jeffrey 1945-2025
Carla Sue Jeffrey lived an inspirational and beautiful life-one defined by her pursuit of knowledge, her boundless passion, and her deep love for family, friendship, education, community, music, art, sports, and laughter. She touched the lives of countless others on her journey, each forever impacted by her extraordinary character, pure heart, and vibrant spirit.
Born in Pryor, Oklahoma in 1945 to Carl Roy Gaither and Verna Elizabeth (Betty) Gaither, Carla enjoyed a love-filled and adventurous childhood with her sister Betsy and niece Kim. Together they were always having fun-playing cowboys and Indians, riding horses, and learning to cook. Carla had a lifelong love of horses, always drawing them and dreaming of her next adventure with her horse, Dan Patch. Every ride began the same way-just like Zorro-running and leaping onto his bare back before racing off together into the sunset.
Carla attended Oklahoma State University, where she earned a B.S. in Biology. She joined the Pi Beta Phi sorority and made many lifelong friends and sisters. At a wedding she attended, two of those beloved sorority sisters played matchmaker by moving her nametag-seating her next to Ransy Lee Jeffrey, the man who would become her husband and partner for 59 wonderful years.
Their love took them from Oklahoma to Oakland, California, to Upstate New York, to Denver, and finally to Fort Collins, Colorado-where they built a beautiful life together.
Carla began a rewarding career as a biology teacher and soon became actively involved in the Fort Collins community. She shared her time and talents with many organizations, including the Fort Collins Symphony Board, Chamber Music, P.E.O., Culture Club, and Project Self-Sufficiency. After the birth of her two sons, Craig and Scott, Carla retired from teaching to devote herself fully to her family and to her many philanthropic endeavors.
Carla's passions for art, music, tennis, skiing, fishing, riding, education, and friendship fueled her spirit. A talented musician and devoted lover of music, she brought harmony and joy to every gathering. She was also a gifted cook, a gracious host, and a woman of deep justice and compassion.
Family and friends meant the world to Carla, as did her passion for traveling and helping others. Of all the joys in her life, none shone brighter than her love for her grandchildren, whose presence brought her immeasurable happiness.
Carla and Lee shared a life of adventure, kindness, love, and generosity. Together they served on numerous medical missions to underserved countries, as well as traveling the globe, reaching all continents.
Blessed with an extraordinary memory and eloquence, Carla shone most brightly as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She offered care and comfort when it was needed most, always knowing how to make others feel seen, valued, and loved. Carla had a rare gift for making everything-and everyone-around her more beautiful. She was always the first to jump in and try something new, approaching every experience with enthusiasm and an open heart. With the spirit and wonder of a child, she brought fun, laughter, and joy wherever she went.
As Carla once wrote: "Thank you, my dear, sweet husband, whom I love so much. It was fun sharing it all with you!"
Carla is survived by her husband of 59 years, Lee; her two sons, Craig and Scott; and her cherished grandchildren, Mack and Blake; niece Kimberly Ann Sherrod; and daughter-in-law Laura. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Roy Gaither and Verna Elizabeth Gaither, and her sister, Betsy Ann Gaither.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra in Carla's memory.