Azalea Marie Carter

Azalea Marie Carter, born on December 16, 1935, in Harlowton, Montana. She was the third child of five born to Horace Francis Manseau and Azalea Jane Spaulding. She was the middle child. And we all know her as Azalea, Ozzie, Mom or Grandma. She died on July 16, 2026.

She attended local schools in Harlowton, and participated in gymnastics while in high school. During high school she worked at the restaurant owned by her father. She then attended nursing school in Great Falls, Montana. It was there that she met a handsome young Air Force Sergeant, William or Bill, Carter who would soon become her husband. They married on the Air Force base in Tucson, Arizona, on October 15, 1957.

Motherhood started with the additions of David, followed by Don, and an unnamed girl who passed shortly after her birth; next came Jim, John and Vicki. During those early years as a young mother the family moved multiple times, residing in Arizona, the Seattle area, San Mateo and eventually Reedley.

Ozzie was a busy Mom for her young crew. Cooking, sewing and coordinated carpooling filled her days. Birthday parties and cakes are fondly remembered. With three summer birthdays in an 8 day period and two back to back, David and John often shared one cake, each getting their own half, decorated especially for them. It was important to Mom that all her children take swim lessons. And she attended many swim meets cheering on her children. Another activity she made sure her children participated in was practicing for and then leading the music for the Youth Masses at St. Anthony’s in Reedley.

As her crew grew up, moved out and got married, she was instrumental in organizing many years of the extended family attending whole seasons of a dinner and a play at Roger Rocka's. Getting together with her family was so very important to her.

Ozzie kept her nursing license active into her 60s even though she never returned to the profession as an active nurse. She did, however, become involved with the Sierra Kings Hospital Auxiliary and volunteered on a regular basis for many years. After moving to Clovis, she continued as a volunteer greeter at Clovis Community Hospital. Being involved in her local hospitals was one of her passions.

With the nest empty, Ozzie became more involved in Bill's business, “Sequoia Contact Lens” assuming many of the bookkeeping and accounting duties. Her responsibilities increased over time as the company was bought by Menicon, a large Japanese company. She continued for many years as a senior employee at Menicon.

Ozzie was passionate about her Shady Ladies Group. To those who are unfamiliar with this group, the “Shady” refers to the different shades of dress that the ladies wore to their lunch meeting. Not anything shady in nature. Meeting with her lady friends was important to her.

In addition, throughout the years, Ozzie and Bill enjoyed lunches, dinners, symphonies and theater events with many dear friends. She cherished her friendships greatly.

As time passed, many grandchildren and then many great-grandchildren arrived. Each and every addition brought great joy and happiness to her life. She would sew comforters when each was born, and as they grew older, she would knit many hats and scarves.

Each of us comes with different memories regarding Ozzie, Mom, Grandma. We are sad that she is gone. But we are grateful for the times we had with her. We remember her spirit and her passion for life. We remember her friendship and the love and kindness she demonstrated to us. May we each cherish these memories. And as these memories remain in our hearts, may our spirits be lifted each time we remember her and her amazing life.

Ozzie is survived by her husband of 68 years, William (Bill) Carter.

Five Children:

David, spouse Cindy

Don, spouse Barbara

Jim, spouse Monica

John, spouse Jennifer

Vicki

Fifteen Grandchildren;

Larisa Carter

Bryce Carter

Amber Carter

Brian Carter

Leslie Nguyen

Stacy Yada

Justin Carter

Jason Singh

Alyse Carter

Samantha Foster

Amanda Pomaville

Katherine Stowell

Jacob East

Clayton East

RJ DuPont

And Fourteen Great-Grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her brother Francis Manseau, her sister Elaine Tietz and her grandson Billy East.