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Cari Ruth Carlson

Cari Carlson Obituary

Cari Ruth Carlson September 19, 1959-December 8, 2009 A COWGIRL Cari died peacefully from breast cancer, Tuesday, December 8th. She is loved and will be missed by her mother, Norma; father, John (Kate); brother, Johnny (Lesha); sister, Cami Frimann-Dahl (Eirik); nieces, Kellie Ann and Gabbi Carlson and Mia Frimann-Dahl; nephews, Max Frimann-Dahl and Ben Carlson. Cari was predeceased by brother, Charlie. She was full of life and energy from the start. Horses became a significant part of her life leading her to Yuma Rodeo Queen and flag bearer at the L.A. Olympics Opening Ceremony. Rodeo was her connection to a large cadre of friends, some who cared for her during her illness. She was a teacher who made it her priority to support and mentor youth. Her cousin, Debbie Dugan and sister, Cami were her final caretakers. Private family burial will be in Elko, Nevada. A remembrance/celebration will be held at a later date in Tucson. Scholarships have been established in her name for tutoring students who need academic support: Cari Carlson c/o Education Alliance of Washoe, Inc. 1150 Matley Ln., Ste # 201, Reno, NV 89502 for her support of young skilled horsewomen: Cari Carlson, Nevada State High School Rodeo Assoc/Queen c/o Machele Howard, 1600 Roberson Ln., Fallon, NV 89406, (775) 426-9289.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Dec. 27, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Cari Carlson

16 Entries

Deborah Antonick Bequette

January 3, 2021

I think of you so OFTEN! Oh how I know you are loving eternity with our Savior! See you one day soon

Judy Jones Dalton

March 29, 2010

I include my prayers for the family of Cari. I have never met anyone whose Light shown brighter for her faith, than Cari. She prayed for me many times when I was ill. The power of her prayers helped in an instant. She, on many occasions, dropped everything and came to my rescue because I was in need.

It was a wonderful thing to have Cari call you, friend. We traveled so many times together. I remember my husband saying about the first trip we went on we would be in a car for 14 hours. Cari could talk forty miles an hour with gusts up to 80. This trip would make or break our friendship. It was MADE.

I lost touch after many moves in recent years. But I never lost touch of the love I had for this woman. She intoduced me to so many people always saying, "This is my friend Judy Dalton."

Cari, I know where ever you are. You aren't resting. You are helping someone, and your light is forever shining bright.

Blessings to you always....

Lorie Knapp

February 13, 2010

I wish I would have found out sooner that things had taken a turn. Last time we talked you thought the laser treatments had done the job for you. I had so many things I wanted to update you on, waiting for you to feel well enough to call rather than cause undo strain while you recovered from the back surgery. Katya and I will miss you so very much. I already did just waiting for the phone call that never came. I'll see you soon, give my love to Jesus next time you see Him.

Lorie

January 18, 2010

Bet your on the grandest horse ever, running like the wind. RM

Brenda Bastin

January 12, 2010

I am sure that Cari is walking with Jesus, for those of us she left behind she will continue to be a great inspiration.

Jan Epps

January 6, 2010

Ruth and Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy to all.

Jan Smith Epps

Michele Merkley

January 4, 2010

I have lots of memories of Cari coming out to the ranch in Jiggs when I was a kid and I'm very grateful I got to see her again at the rodeos these last few years. You were beautiful and caring Cari and you will be missed by so many!

Brooke Morgan Westlake

December 30, 2009

Cari was a wonderful person! We are very sad that she passed away, but with all the energy she had, she continued to give to life in every way she could. It was a joy bringing her cake this year for her birthday with fruit on it. She loved fruit! :) She was a wonderful women and will be missed by everyone that knew her. She touched the lives of many young women in the rodeo community. My hope is that these young women continue to find inspiration from Cari and continue on in the Rodeo circuit. She would have wanted that.

Kristine Sampson

December 30, 2009

Dear Cari, I will miss you dearly especially the light of Christ that you shared with me so often. The Rodeo Queen World will surely miss you and all you did to help so many. I wear a pink ribbon for you dear friend...<3 Kristi Q Designs( Glenwood, Utah)

Gail Sebile

December 30, 2009

For Cari's family,
I have not been in touch with Cari for may years. I am sorry for you for her passing. It is painful to loose your child and or sibling. Cari and I had great fun in College, and after for many years. Even though we had many rocky points in our friendship I am still reminded of many great times that we shared. I hope that her continuing life was full of joy. I susspect that it was. She was such a busy little thing. Funny, I thought of her quite often these past several years.

Gail Peterson, Merkley

Chantelle Crotts

December 30, 2009

Cari,
I miss you more than you know. My pink cowgirl boots will always be a reminder of you. I will always cherish the time we spent together. You were my motivation as Rodeo Queen. I could never have done it with out your faith in me and all the things you taught me. I know you won't have to be in pain any more. I love you with all of my heart. You have always been a cowgirl angel. Never selfish. Always helping any one and every one. So encouraging and honest. We were all blessed to have had you touch our lives. XOXO

Elaine Simonsen

December 29, 2009

Cari is a light that continues to shine through the accomplishments of every student, rodeo queen contestant, cowgirl, cowboy, rancher, horseman, dog lover, and an endless list of many others that had a chance in their lifetime to have been blessed by Cari's unending knowledge of what ever topic discussed and shared. Most of all her love for God and his blessings she shared with you and ministering to your heart. Cari will be missed but never forgotten as she has many legacies through the lives who were lucky to have met her. I will miss you.

Forrest Hopson

December 28, 2009

Dear Carlson Family,

I am so sorry to learn of Cari's death. I knew Cari when she was teaching at O'Brien Middle School in Reno, where I occasionally worked as a substitute teacher. I even subbed for her a few times. She was a great person and very dedicated to the teaching profession. This is a great loss to the Washoe County School District. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely.

Forrest Hopson

Jack Duke

December 27, 2009

To the Carlson Family:
It is with great saddness to read of Cari's passing. Cari's presence in everyone's life left them with happiness and joy. Now Cari has been called home to watch over us from Heaven above as one of God's angels.
It has been years since I have seen Cari, back in the college years, and she still made a wonderful place in my heart that I carried for all the years since.
I will continue to carry that wonderful memory of her in my heart and I know with that spirit, she will never have died, but will live on forever.
Praying God's blessing to each and every one of the family in this time of transition.

Deborah Antonick-Bequette

December 27, 2009

Awwwww Cari, I am so sad that we have lost touch thru the years. Josh & Andi still remember you so fondly. I am so sorry you have had to struggle thru a difficult journey here on earth in order to reach your heavenly home, but I KNOW that I KNOW you are rejoicing and dancing before our Father God. I KNOW HE welcomed you home HIS Daughter. I loved you here on earth and we will meet again at the Father's table. Thank you for being my friend here.
To the Carlson family my prayer is that you will each KNOW and FEEL the peace that only HE can give. I pray that HIS arms be around you and you be filled with love & comfort at this time. Cari always loved EACH of you dearly!!!
Debbie Antonick-Bequette

Marguerite Brown

December 27, 2009

To the Carlson Family -

I learned of Cari's death this morning..I am so sad. She was a fun and vibrant lady with a ton of enery. I will alwaya remember our fun times at Sahuaro and living in the old neighborhood.

I remember how much she loved the rodeos and horses and we were lucky to share that portion of our life with her.

My prayers to out to you at this sad time.

With love,
Marguerite Valenzuela Brown

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