Julia Warner Carlson

1938 - 2025

Julia Warner Carlson, 87, of Red Lodge, Montana, passed away on Monday, October 13th, the culmination of a life well and fully lived.

Julia was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on January 26th, 1938, to Leon C. and Mary Warner. She grew up in a loving household filled with animals, activities and adventure, all of which helped forge the values, morals and personality that came to define her. After graduating from Northrop Collegiate School (Minneapolis, MN) in 1955 and Smith College (Northampton, MA) in 1959, she met her husband Jerry Carlson in Colorado. They married on December 28, 1961, honeymooning in Red Lodge.

While Julia's roots were in Minnesota, her soul was always drawn to the West, Montana in particular. In 1975, she and Jerry moved their young family to Red Lodge, where they both lived until passing.

Julia understood the things that make a life full. Laughter with family and friends. A wagging tail. A nicker from the barn. A rescue pet on the foot of her bed. A hot cup of coffee on the front porch in the morning and a cold beer on the back of the trailer after a long ride. A hot fudge sundae with extra hot fudge but no nuts. A distinctive hat. The peacefulness of creaking saddle leather. The tranquility of a snowfall. The serenity of a barnful of animals eating hay on Christmas Eve, all with red ribbons around their necks. She filled her heart with these moments.

Julia's soul ran deep. She was drawn to intelligence, kindness, cheery people and the underdog. She bristled against ignorance and arrogance, and abhorred neglect and cruelty.

She is survived by daughter Janney Carlson of Red Lodge, son Jerry Carlson of Richmond, VA, grandson Jerry Carlett of Herndon, VA, granddaughter Jenny Bagnardi of Brooklyn, NY, sisters Mary Dorman of Glenwood Springs, CO and Lucy Bruntjen of Wayzata, MN and brother Leon Warner of Missoula, MT, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and beloved son Chuck Carlson.

A private family celebration of spirit is planned. If desired, friends can make memorial contributions to the Beartooth Humane Alliance. (www.beartoothhumane.org)

Julia yearned for a simple life. She undoubtedly would have vetoed this announcement as being too wordy. Her likely edit, "Just tell them, 'She rode good horses.'"