May 5, 1946 – November 10, 2023
Carol Graf Carnish was a fiercely devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this world unexpectedly on Nov 10, 2023 at the young age of 77.
She was born Carol Ann Johnson to Albert and Ida Van DeVelde Johnson on May 5, 1946 in the humble town of Marshfield Field, Wisconsin alongside siblings Ron and Marlene. In her youth, Carol effortlessly made it onto DeKalb High School’s varsity softball and track and field teams. She graduated with a business degree from Northern Illinois University. Event management with Wilson Pro Tennis was where her life long love for tennis began. After a chance meeting in the sky, Carol married Richard Graf. They built a beautiful home tucked in the forest of Woodbury, Minnesota. She chose to pivot away from a promising career in tennis to focus on building her family with Dick. Their home became the warm hub of large family gatherings and holidays. Tragically, their life together was cut short when Dick passed away unexpectedly. Tom Carnish, Richard’s best friend, grieved with Carol and in time their bond became love. In an eloquent botanical garden, the two wed in the midst of a sparkling Minnesota winter on March 29, 1996. Carol’s love for Tom was unparalleled and he remained enthralled with her unwavering spirit of kindness and concern for the less fortunate. She would glow when being outside with nature. The essence of Carols soul was reflected through her garden – intentional, resilient and vibrant. When the clouds draped well beyond their boundary to rest on morning peaks, she saw Heaven and Earth discussing our prayers. Carol was happiest during the simplest moments with Tom. Their time was shared over weekly bridge games, quiet afternoons reading and spending the winters soaked in California’s sun while playing tennis and golf. Through it all their tender stream of witty banter kept their love alive.
Carol’s youngest children, Tyler and Jessica were the beats of her heart. She had unwavering support for them through their elite sports, educational pursuits, parenting and their involvement within the nonprofits they served.
In the last thirteen years her talents during Halloween and Christmas elevated with the addition of her grandsons Malikai, Aaden and Kelcee. She loved the moment they’d burst through her door in excitement to announce they’d seen her latest decorations! Every year she’d select four matching costumes and together they’d triumphantly head out to terrorize her neighbors while trick or treating. Once December rolled in, Carol rescued the Elf on the Shelf from its box to instill magical wonder. She found it humorous to ponder with the boys over how the elf moved around her home by itself to hide.
To say the least, Carol had amazing taste whether it was what she cooked, wore or gifted to her loved ones. Her littlest grandson, Wyatt, was the muse of her last days, hoping to find the warmest snowsuit to wrap his tiny Texas born body in for a Christmas visit.
Tom and Carol’s relocation to the mountains was where Carol met a group of women who became the bright spot of her life. For them, she had stashed a special collection of naughty greeting cards to raise laughter for any occasion. It was on the tennis court where her competitiveness could be playfully unleashed amongst them. Her dearest of friends didn’t refer to her as Carol, but rather, “Carnish.”
She is survived by her husband Tom, five children, Laura, Robert Jr, Theresa, Craig, Keith, Tyler, Jessica and her many sweet grandkids.
A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday November 25, 2023at Mountain View Church 2195 Co Rd 154 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601.