Dorette Lee Carsten

Dorette Lee Carsten was born in Washington DC on November 1, 1937, and as a young child, moved with her family to Colorado. Memories of her childhood in Wheatridge stayed with her even as other memories faded. Dorette passed away on September 2, 2026, at the HopeWest Care Center in Grand Junction.

Dorette deeply loved the mountains, her horses and really, all animals, and in 1971, along with her husband Skip, moved the family to Cattle Creek, outside Glenwood Springs. There they raised four children. Dorette and Skip moved to Grand Junction in August 2000.

Dorette was always the go-to person for support, prayers, compassion, and kindness- not just as mom, but also wife, grandma, sister, auntie and friend. She taught her family and friends to live with a sense of wonder about the seemingly little things in life and to be tough during those times when life gets hard. She was a talented cook and baker, crafter, seamstress, and stitcher. She will be remembered for her elaborate cross stitch patterns, spaghetti and meatballs recipe, and holiday gatherings, which included candy cane shaped bread on Christmas morning alongside her hand painted Christmas village.

Dorette was most proud of raising a family and caring for her grandchildren. She was at every school event, extracurricular activity, graduation, wedding, and birthday party. Wrapped up in all her kindness was a strong, stubborn woman. At 73 she earned the GED and proudly claimed, “It’s never too late to graduate!” And… never too late to see the world! At 80 she traveled by herself to Paris to visit her granddaughter.

Dorette is survived by her sons, Ron Carsten (Toni) and Rick Carsten (Sandi), and daughter, Janelle Carsten (Joe Barrows). She was preceded in death by her husband Albert “Skip” Carsten, and her son, Robert Carsten. She has ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren, all of whom were her pride and joy, not only for their accomplishments in life, but, more importantly, for living as good human beings.

Interment will take place at 3:00 pm at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado on October 9, 2026, where she will be placed with her husband, Skip. A Celebration of Life will follow at 4:00 pm at Redlands Community Center.

The Carsten family wishes to thank her personal caregiver, Stephanie, the kind caregivers at AspenRidge Alzheimer’s Special Care Center and the dedicated care team at the HopeWest Care Center. Much gratitude to all of you!