Carla Jene Knudsen
Carla Jene Knudsen
Our beloved Carla Jene Knudsen passed away peacefully on December 25, 2022, at the age of 51. She was born in Glasgow, Montana, grew up in Rudyard, Colstrip, Denver, and Saco and earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Montana. After graduation she struck out for Denver and then on to San Francisco, eventually coming to reside in the Seattle area, where she made a home for the past 20 years. Carla managed high-end specialty luggage stores for many years and earned a second bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies from Kaplan University. She ultimately found her calling in the banking industry as an AML/BSA Compliance Specialist, earning a CAMS (anti money laundering) certification.
Carla was an accomplished professional, but her most precious role was that of an aunt to Laycie, Sidny and Chance who were her favorite people and of whom she was so incredibly proud. Family was everything to Carla. She was her mother Terry’s “mini-me” and in the past decade or so loved going on annual history-based travel adventures with her and creating special memories. Carla’s father Carl was her anchor, life coach and cheerleader and she looked forward to going home as much as possible to visit. She loved both of her stepparents Gary and Pat and were grateful to them for their guidance and support. Carla shared her love of books, animals and couture handbags with her sister Lori, her love of travel, humor, and art with her sister Rhonda and she cherished the family vacations spent with her stepsister Twyla. Carla loved her sisters fiercely and was their confidante and champion.
Carla loved her job and cared deeply for her teammates, looking forward to their themed potluck lunches – always so pleased and proud when everyone loved what she brought. Carla’s childhood friends became her tribe – they enriched her life and gave her so much joy as they joined her in awesome travels all over the world. Along with travel, Carla loved cooking, music, and holidays. She was an avid reader and a history scholar. Carla was proud of her home and created a beautiful sanctuary. She loved celebrating birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. She always bought the turkey, lovingly chose gifts for her family, squealed with delight as she opened her own – and made sure Santa stuffed our stockings.
Carla was tenacious and stubborn – if she set her mind to something, she was unstoppable. She was unfailingly kind, a peacemaker, always joyful and had an infectious laugh. Carla was never angry unless she was hungry, driving, her favorite team was losing, or someone ate the last of the mashed potatoes. She was born into this world sweet and kept that sweetness her entire life. Carla was pure love and tender of heart. She will be forever missed by all who knew her.
Carla is survived by her parents Terry Walker and Carl Knudsen, her stepparents Gary Walker and Pat Knudsen; her sister Lori Taylor and niece Laycie Taylor; her sister Rhonda Knudsen; her stepsister Twyla Johnson (Todd), niece Sidny Score (Landon) and nephew Chance Johnson. Carla is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, dearest friends, and colleagues.
The family is planning a gathering in April to celebrate Carla and the kind, loving, spirited woman she was.
9 Responses to “Carla Jene Knudsen”
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I had the pleasure of working with Carla and will miss her deeply. There is nobody in this world quite like her. I enjoyed her spunky messages and comments throughout the day. She will always have a special place in my heart. I feel for her family and their loss. We love you Carla.
She made the BEST chocolate chip cookies EVER.
I remember Carla from elementary school in Colstrip. Then, it feels, suddenly she moved away. Fast forward to adulthood and our paths crossed once again.
I was fortunate enough to have traveled to Cozumel with Carla early this spring. She was the epitome of what a travel buddy should be. The conversation was never dull. And I don’t know that I have ever met someone that radiated so much happiness without saying a word.
It just so happened that my husband and I had Carla as a houseguest for what was supposed to be an early Thanksgiving. We are truly honored to have had the opportunity to get to know Carla, even if it was just for a few months.
I have never met a potato purist until November 2022. I have to giggle a bit when I recall trying to get her to try something other than a russett French fry while she was here in Idaho. She wasn’t having any of it.
Our deepest condolences to Carla’s entire family.
Dean & Beth Owen
I met Carla a few times when she would come to the Storm games with Rhonda and Laurie. She was a very kind person and a smile that was contagious. My sincerest sympathy for all who knew her, especially all of her family. May God hold you in the palm of his hands during this time of sorrow. Love and hugs, Mary
Carla and I go back to 5th grade in Colstrip. The first thing she did when I met her was to make me laugh, and she kept me laughing for our 40 year friendship.
Carla – truly – didn’t have a mean bone in her body. There was no cattiness in her at all. She judged no one. She accepted everyone for who they were and loved her friends in spite of our faults. She saw and encouraged the good in all of us. And nobody kept a secret better. It’s why we all loved her so much.
The fact that she actually took my secrets to the grave is wrong, all wrong. But until I see her again, I’ll keep the memory of her laugh, her joy, her positivity, with me always.
So much love, so many hugs to Carla’s family.
Good night, CJ. Making snickerdoodles tonight in your honor. Love you crazy!
As Beth Owen is my sister, I too, met Carla in elementary school in Colstrip. We reconnected working on our 30 year high school reunion for Colstrip. We would call each other and respond with, “Dawling”, as if we were born in countryside of England. We would reminisce and giggle for hours while enjoying a glass of vino over the phone. I’m still in shock, grief and utter disbelief that she is gone.
I have so many wonderful, funny, and loving memories of our travels together that I will forever cherish. My heart is saddened and a bit broken.
My deepest condolences to Carla’s entire family.
Dawn Shackelford
Dear Carl and Pat,
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter Carla. I remember her when she lived in Saco with you.
Please know our thoughts are with you at this time. May you always remember the good times and the blessings she brought into your family.
Sincerely,
Charlie and Shelley Romo
Sorry to hear about Carla’s passing, I remember Carla from high school and what a passionate person who was always thoughtful, sending prayers to her family as you cherish your memories of Carla.
J’ai rencontrée mon amie Carla il y a 2 ans à Paris lors de sa venue en France ou nous avions partager une semaine magnifique.
Nous avons pris le train pour se rendre à Nice et et également nous avons été à Vintimiglia en Italie.
je suis vraiment attristé d’apprendre cette nouvelle seulement aujourd’hui.
On devait d’ailleurs se revoir cette année ou je devais venir la voir à Seattle.
Que son Âme puisse reposer en Paix.
Amen.
Tu vas me manquer ma chérie.