Karen M Carlson

Karen Rebecca Moore Carlson, a woman of deep faith and boundless creativity, passed away peacefully in her home in Colorado Springs on March 24, 2026. Born on October 26, 1938, in Xenia, Ohio, to Edman and Mary Moore, Karen lived 87 full years, enriching the lives of those around her through her many talents and her heart for service.

Karen grew up happily on a farm just outside of Xenia with her younger brother, Stevie. She was affectionately known as Becky to those closest to her. She held fond memories of her childhood—feeding animals, gardening, and helping her father in the fields. Surrounded by a large extended family, her cousins were among her closest friends. After graduating from high school in 1956, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Education, with a focus on elementary education and vocal music, from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.

In the summer of 1962, Karen served as camp director at Camp Tispaquin in Middleboro, Massachusetts. It was there that she met Bob Carlson, a camp counselor who would soon become her devoted husband. Bob often joked that he started working for Karen that summer—and never quit. A little over a year later, on September 14, 1963, they were married, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in faith, love, and shared purpose.

Karen often said she was who she was because of Bob’s presence in her life. From the very beginning, their marriage was grounded in faith—they began on their knees in prayer, asking that God would use them. With a gentle and steady spirit, Bob encouraged Karen in her walk with Christ. Karen would later reflect that her husband loved her into a deeper relationship with God.

The couple first made their home in Bristol, Connecticut. In 1971, they moved to Colorado, where they helped with the founding of Colorado Springs Christian School. In 1975, they welcomed their beautiful daughter, Kirsten, who became the joy of their lives.

Karen’s career reflected her lifelong passion for literacy and learning. Early in her life, she served as an elementary school teacher, music teacher, and reading specialist. After the birth of her daughter, Kirsten, Karen devoted herself fully to being a stay-at-home mother, creating a home filled with love, creativity, and faith. During Kirsten’s early school years, Karen helped support the family financially by taking baby pictures at Memorial Hospital, delivering flowers on holidays, and cleaning homes with a friend. When Kirsten reached high school, Karen returned to work, this time as an elementary school librarian, where she continued to shape and inspire young minds.

Beyond her professional life, Karen faithfully served her church family at Salem Baptist Church (now Grace Mountain Church) in countless ways: teaching Sunday school, playing the piano, singing in the choir, decorating, organizing events, and stepping in wherever there was a need.

A true artist, Karen’s hands were rarely still. She created crafts and costumes for Kirsten and all her friends, always finding a way to make what was needed with creativity and resourcefulness. She painted, sewed, and decorated with a distinctive touch that brought beauty to every space she entered. Her garden was a place of peace, and her kitchen was often filled with the aroma of fresh baking or the steam from her canning. She was a creative party planner, a devoted “family taxi” driver, and a dedicated student of the Bible who found her greatest strength in prayer and scripture.

Though naturally a quiet soul who cherished writing and a good book, Karen grew in her joy of fellowship and hospitality through Bob’s gentle encouragement. Bob and Kirsten also shared with her the joys of travel, both within the United States and abroad, adding rich and meaningful memories to her life.

Above all, Karen will be remembered for her faithfulness, her encouraging spirit, and her devotion to her family and friends. Her handwritten letters and the care she poured into her relationships will remain a lasting legacy.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents and her devoted husband of 61 years, Bob. She is survived by her daughter, Kirsten Root, son-in-law, Jonathan Root; her brother, Steve Moore, and sister-in-law, Bonnie Moore.

Karen’s deepest wish was to one day be reunited with each of you in heaven. It was her prayer that you would come to know her Lord as she did—deeply and wholeheartedly.