Carol Lynn Knable

Carol Lynn Knabel, 62, of Conifer, Colorado, passed away in the afternoon, Saturday August 5, 2023. She was at home in the presence of her children. Exactly a year from diagnosis, she lost her battle with ovarian cancer.

Carol was born January 31, 1961 in Dubuque, Iowa. The youngest of three children, she was the daughter of Joseph F. Knabel and Rita M. Lange. 

She graduated from Wahlert Catholic High School and went on to study cosmetology before moving from Dubuque to Denver. In 1988 Carol moved to the mountains into the home where she raised her children and lived until her death. 

Carol was a hair stylist on main street Evergreen. Using those skills, she later became a dog groomer. For years she opened Mountain Pet Grooming, greeting clients with her infectious smile, often with scones she’d baked early that morning. Like any baker, Carol was a very early morning person. After 32 years of providing service to the Evergreen community, following her ovarian cancer diagnosis, Carol retired.

She was a thoughtful, loving, kind person and mother who put others' needs before her own. You could always find her in the kitchen baking or cooking for others, outside picking raspberries, in nature walking or deep in a good book but always smiling. She supported her children and was always their biggest enthusiast in everything they did. 

Before moving to Colorado, Carol married Mark Ryan. Though this relationship wasn’t permanent they remained in proximity to each other and raised their two children, Samantha and Beau.  

Carol was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her two children, Samantha Ryan and Beau Ryan, along with her two older brothers Richard (Dick) Knabel and Steve Knabel.