Alexis C. Danielson

Alexis Rose Carnes Danielson, age 93, of Templeton, California passed away peacefully at home on May 29, 2026. Born May 28, 1933, in Tranquility, CA, Alexis was the 8th of nine children born to Elton and Annie Carnes. Although the family briefly lived in Mississippi, most of her childhood was spent in Morro Bay, CA. The family’s Mississippi plantation, known as Pleasant Retreat, later inspired Alexis and her husband Bob to give the same name to their beloved Templeton property.

Alexis graduated from San Luis Obispo High School in 1951 and went on to attend St. Luke’s School of Nursing in San Francisco, graduating in 1955. During the graduation ceremony, the graduates sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone” which featured a solo by Alexis; it was recorded and was broadcast on the radio.

Music remained a lifetime joy. Alexis sang in the choir at United Methodist Church of Atascadero and was also a member of Sweet Adelines. Her interests included sewing, tending her rose garden, caring for her family and pets, attending SLO Symphony and SLO Winds concerts, plus traveling extensively. She will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, gentle spirit, and genuine care for others.

Alexis was blessed with two children from her first marriage (Bill Morley): Karen Marie Morley-Smith (Kevin) and Christopher William Morley. She was a devoted grandmother to four grandchildren: Cameron Ashley Heath, McKinley Lauren Keener (Andy), Shay Spencer Smith (Noël) and Lauren Ann Morley (Deven Gates). She had four great-grandchildren: Elizabeth Rose Heath, Eleanor Louise Smith, Greyson Everett Smith and Elias Christopher Gates, plus a great-great-grandson Lionel Louis Mcauley. She held her family close to her heart and lovingly cared for each generation.

In 1983, Alexis married Dr. Robert (Bob) A. Danielson. Together they shared 43 wonderful years of marriage. Alexis worked as a registered nurse from 1955-1997 in hospitals throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Florida, and San Luis Obispo County. In 1983, she joined Bob in his practice, and they worked side by side for the next 14 years. Their partnership extended far beyond the workplace, as they built a life marked by mutual support, friendship, and adventure.

Together, Bob and Alexis traveled extensively, exploring destinations including Russia, Norway, Ireland, England, South Korea, Australia, British Columbia, Banff, Lake Louise, plus much of the United States. They also enjoyed simpler adventures such as camping and annual ski trips often guiding family and friends on memorable excursions.

One particularly unforgettable adventure was a week-long Yellowstone camping trip with six grandchildren packed in their Ford Expedition. Alexis’ patience, love, and good humor carried everyone through the journey, creating cherished memories that remain a family legend.

Within her blended family, Alexis chose a unique role for herself not as a step-mother, but as what she lovingly called a “mother-friend”. Her family grew to include four step-daughters: Karin Brenda Taylor (Bob), Leslie Ann Joslin (Bob), Kathleen Almy Hurst (John), and Robin Goff Van Duren (Drew). Twelve step-grandchildren: Luke Robert Taylor (Clara), Benjamin Daniel Taylor, Ann Bernice Taylor, Janette “Jennie” Ann Joslin, Robert “Bobby” James Joslin (Jenn), John Mark Joslin (Linnea), Brian Daniel Joslin (Lauryn), William “Billy” Tavis Hurst (Rachel), Emily Mae Hurst, Kathleen “Katie” Barbara Hurst, Jakob Almy Van Duren and Lindsey Kathleen Van Duren. Five step-great-grandchildren: Dean Wallace Hurst, Brooks Ray Hurst, Cora Mae Hurst, Kai Robert Joslin, and Isaiah Kawai Joslin.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Elton and Annie Carnes, her siblings: Jeanie, Beryl, Elton, Arlene, Nōel, India, Charlie, and Alan; her daughter Karen Morley-Smith, and her step-daughter Kathleen Hurst.

Alexis leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service and unwavering love for her family. Her gentle presence, warm smile, and compassionate heart will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be held on July 4, 2026, at 3:00 P.M. at the United Methodist Church of Atascadero with a reception to follow at the family home.