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.
The post first appeared on Barton Family Funeral Service.