Carla Lou (Schad) Cole, born March 1, 1938, in Bridgeport, NE, to Carroll J. Schad and Eva Augusta (Warford) Schad. She spent her early years in Guernsey, WY where she graduated high school. During high school her interests were cheerleading, Jobs Daughters and being a majorette. After graduation she attended the University of Wyoming, receiving a degree in Elementary Education. It was there she met the love of her life and lifetime dance partner, Jim “Lefty” Cole. They married on July 20, 1958. They had three children Kelly, Jana and Curt. Carla was a stay at home mom and proud of that fact. She was the stabilizing force while moving numerous times during Lefty’s employment with Peter Kiewit Sons Construction Company. Their 21st move was to the Deerwood Ranch in 1982 after Lefty retired from the Kiewit company moving on to the new venture of ranching and ranch life. It was at the ranch they witnessed seven grandchildren grow up, as well as their great grandchildren. In 1992 Carla joined her daughter Jana and daughter-in-law Lisa in a partnership operating The Country Junction in Centennial. Being part of growing a business from the ground up was one of her finest accomplishments. In 1994 Carla and Lefty purchased the Vee Bar Guest Ranch offering the opportunity to many of their grandchildren to work side-by-side with them in growing that business. Carla also spent many hours coaching and participating on the quarter Horse circuit with her two granddaughters Kari and Mollee. She loved watching sports and particularly sports involving her grandchildren were of special joy to her. She was a UW sports fan and took great delight in following the teams to bowl games and tournaments. In the last few months, while living in Laramie, she was blessed to have many caregivers help her in her journey. Special thanks to those who helped. Her number one caregiver was her husband, Lefty, who took great pride in taking care of her. They always talked about how lucky they were and counted their blessings every day.
Carla is survived by her husband of 62 years, Lefty Cole, a sister Kay Campbell, children Kelly (Lisa) Cole, Jana (Rich) Wilson, and Curt Cole; seven grandchildren, Kari Kilmer (Brent), Meagan Higbee (Eric), Mollee Gilgen (Ben), C.J. Cole, Coleton Wilson (Kelsey), Schad Wilson (Hannah), and Tucker Cole (Jaci); great grandchildren: Bailey Kilmer, Jasper Kilmer, McKayla Kilmer, Cash Gilgen, Shiloh Gilgen, Haylee and Sammie Gilgen, Addie Cole; as well as nieces and nephews.
We would like to invite friends and family to an ice cream social, in honor of Carla, Sunday afternoon, July 26, from 3:00-5:00. The Social will be held at the Hay Barn on Deerwood Ranch.
In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to Hospice of Laramie in Carla’s name.
Lefty & family, So sorry to hear about Carla. She was such a wonderful person. I enjoyed working at the Vee Bar and getting to know you both. She was such a loving, giving person. I so loved watching you two dance! Please know you and your family are in my hearts and prayers. Ginger (Lynn) Turner
Lefty and Family: We were so shocked and sadden to hear of Carla!s passing. She was a valiant fighter and you were a wonderful care-giver! She will be greatly missed! Please accept our condolences and sympathy. She was a valian
Dick and I are so sorry to read of Carla's passing. I always thought of her as one of the most beautiful women I knew, and her light shown through her always happy eyes. Such a kind person. We are sorry, Lefty, as we can only imagine your huge inner loss and the days ahead without her. You were and are such a special couple in the Laramie area as well as Wyoming...so many friends...we will all miss her. I can still remember the last time I saw her on the patio at the Bear Tree. She was walking around with her walker, trying to get stronger and you were cheering her on. Along with your many friends, you have such a wonderful family, to be with you at your beautiful home on the Deerwood. I remember so well, the party you had when you completed the renovation of the house and barn, how proud you both were, and how absolutely lovely the whole place was and is. Enjoy it knowing that Carla is still there with you. Please know we are thinking of you and if you ever want to warm up in the Winter, please come see us in Arizona. Dick and Dianne Van Pelt
So sorry to hear about Carla. I just found out about it. A loss leaves a gap in life but with Gods help it will heal. Yvonne
With great memories and thoughts as we remember a truly outstanding lady and super friend through the years, our sincere condolences in this time of grief. Will always remember the hospitality that was given to us! Joe/Kyle Dempsey and family
My condolences and prayers...Carla was a 'one-in-a-million' special lady that started every greeting and conversation with a smile. She will be remembered and dearly missed.
Thinking of all of you and the warm memories Carla has left for us. Her ever-present smile, gracious style and high spirits were always with her. We are happy to have known her for so many years. Our prayers are with all of you.
My Deepest Condolences to the whole family. I used to work with Mollee and Terri at the care center years ago. I took take of Carla at her home for a short period of time. And I cannot believe how amazing is this person. Even when she was struggling with her pain, she was still able to manage herself to stay okay (I guess) and that everything is fine, she is tough for sure. She is a very pleasant Lady. And I was amazed too with her husband Lefty. He’s always there for her making sure she’s fine. I was so grateful to know these two people. No wonder where Mollee got her personality. I was thankful to Terry for sending me a text message if I would like to work with Carla. Although, I haven’t met Jana, I’m sure it runs in their family “A Wonderful and Great Family “. Rest In Peace, Carla. May the Lord God heal your sadness ,grief and your loss. Prayers and thoughts for the whole family. Rosalie Sprinkle
We are very sad to hear of Carla's passing. Our lives are richer for having known such a beautiful person. Please accept our deepest condolences and know our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Wonderful memories of her will forever be in our hearts, Mike & Jane Grzybowski
Lefty and all the family, Chris and I am sorry to hear about Carla. She was such a wonderful person and a real joy be around. I’ll never forget that she aloud me to ride her favorite Quarterhorse and what a pleasure that was. Our sympathy goes out to all you. Allen Frude and Chris
Dear Lefty and family, we were shocked about loss of Carla. Carla was always so kind to Vincent. Although we didn’t come across with Carla very much, we always heard good things about Carla from Vincent. He has been really enjoying to spend his time with you guys. It will be a good memory for Vincent that he got to know such a nice lady. Please accept our deepest condolences! Vincent and family
My deepest sympathy to Lefty and the family. Carla was such a lovely, friendly lady whenever I visited the North Fork and Centennial. Bob and I loved all the years in Centennial. I miss it so much. Among so many other things, the Vee Bar was fabulous Mary Jane Boyd, Hutchinson KS
Losing my big sister leaves a huge void in my life. I learned from her, taught her things I knew, and the bond of our families is strong. Our children, her grandchildren carry the wonderful legacy she gave them. She will be missed so much by all of us; we are fortunate to have really great Carla memories, stories , tales to share with others. Best sister ever.
Dear Lefty, Jana, Kelly & Curt and all, I was so sad to hear that Carla had passed away. In our years of overlapping lives she was always a woman of grace, love, and patience. I loved seeing her and Lefty in town (usually Walmart) always so happy together. She always reached out with such a sweet spirit. I am sure the Centennial Community will miss her so much. As a family your loss is enormous. I hope you take comfort in knowing that Carla touched lives in so many ways and will be missed by so many of our community. As you all process this passing of wife, mom, grandma and great grandma I hope you find solace in the many years and wonderful memories that you can share with each other. Our thoughts prayers are with you all. Our love to your Family.
Lefty and family. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. She will be remembered as such a lovely lady .My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Charlotte Bruce
My deepest heart felt thoughts go out to the Cole & the Wilson family. May the memories of Carla make you smile, your thoughts of your wife, mother & grandmother warm your hearts and her guiding light direct you when you feel lost. Peace be with you all during this very difficult time.
The Sigel families-- Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We hope the many great memories will bring you comfort through the coming days.
Lefty and family, we are so sorry to hear of Carla's passing. What a kind soul she was. We always enjoyed visiting with her as she brought out the best in each of us. Her insights, humor and kind words brought joy and comfort to those she met and riches to the valley.
Our deepest sympathy to Lefty and the Cole family.
We were pretty close neighbors when you lived in Sheridan and I have nothing but fond memories of the entire family and will always remember Mrs. Coles smile and kindness. The world is not as bright. My condolences and Blessings to you and yours.
Thinking of all of you and holding you close in our hearts. Don't think we ever saw Carla without a smile on her face and a warm word for everyone. Her passing will surely leave a hole in your family and in the fabric of the entire community. Sending hugs your way.
I am so very sorry to hear about Carla. She was such a special lady and we had such fun dressing as twins at the girls' basketball games. She will be so missed by so many . Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. May your many fond memories of such a lovely lady help you through this difficult time. Love to you all. Donna Thompson
I had the pleasure of cutting Carla' s hair in Ft. Collins, for many many years. Carla was a beautiful and caring lady, I loved it when she came down we sent many appts., talking about her families the Vee Bar, and the Wyoming cowboys! I cherished the time I got to spend with her. I will always remember her beautiful smile her caring and loving way she had for everyone it was my privilege to have known her. I will keep you all in my prayers. Sincerely Mary Cochran ( Bushwacker) Ft. Collins
Lefty: We were shocked and saddened to hear of Carla’s passing. We extend our sincere condolences to you and your family. Lee and Judy Larson
Lefty & family: So sorry to hear of Carla's passing. You both were such a terrific couple, team and outstanding Wyomingites. We know how much Carla will be missed by her family and friends. Maggie and I send our deepest sympathy at this difficult time. Dick & Maggie Scarlett
I am so sorry for your loss. Carla was such a nice lady. She was loved by everyone. Your old friend, Leonard Dietz
Carla was one more reason that our trips to the Vee Bar were so special. We loved visiting with her and Letty and watching them glide across the dance floor together. She was always so kind and gracious to us.... she was truly one of a kind and I will always hold her in my heart.
We are so sorry to hear of Carla's passing. She was a wonderful woman who will always have a spot in our hearts. Know you are all in our thoughts and prayers . Peace, love and many wonderful memories ~ Carol and Dale Jones
Loving wishes and prayers to the entire family. Thinking of you all with prayers. Such a great lady. Joe and Shirley Witt
Carla was the most genuine person I have ever met. I was truly blessed to get to know her and her family. Through her last months, Carla and I have gotten to know each other and became very good friends. To one of the luckiest people to live❤️
Kay and Family - so sad to hear about Carla's death. Know there are many happy memories to share and help ease the grief of your loss. Keeping you close in my heart and in prayer.