Carol Ruth Klevjord Mann

Carol Ruth Klevjord Mann passed peacefully in her Conifer home, surrounded by family. Born in Lewistown, Montana, on July 10, 1941, to Olaf Klevjord, whose family hailed from Norway, and Ruth Hansen Klevjord, with Danish roots, Carol’s life was rich in adventure, compassion, and resilience. She was the second of four sisters: Carol, Mary, Anne, and Kay Alice.

Surviving are her sister, Mary (Mick); her son, David (Cindy); her daughter, Elizabeth (Gary); her grandchildren, Tyson (Lydia), Tesa, James (Day), Fawnia (Nicole), Rachael (Alyson), Jennifer (Max), Erica (Melanie), Elisha (Matthew), Rudy (Tess), and Grace; and great-grandchildren, Kayden, Kiana, and Corban. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters, Anne and Kay Alice; her daughters, Lisa and Laura; and her beloved husband, Bob.

Carol was known from a young age for her curiosity and bravery. As a toddler, she once painted herself with her mother’s makeup and, later, when she was walking, her older sister had received much attention over a bee sting. Carol tracked down another bee and stepped on it. Later, living in Spokane, Washington, her mother got word that the neighborhood children were planning to climb a house that was being built. Checking it out, she found a group of boys at the base of the house and Carol at the very top, earning a reputation for fearlessness. She was deeply compassionate and often befriended those who were overlooked by others. Summers spent on her maternal grandmother's North Dakota farm fostered her love for animals and rural life, where she experienced a boundless warmth, she would later share with her own family.

A dedicated Girl Scout and avid camper, Carol loved singing around campfires, a tradition she later passed down to her children. She had a passion for writing, eventually becoming the editor of her high school paper at Weber High School in Ogden, Utah.

Carol met her future husband, Robert "Bob" Mann, over a homemade dinner her mother prepared for students at Utah State University. They married on June 13, 1959, and together, raised four children: David (b. April 19, 1960), Elizabeth (b. August 1, 1961), Lisa (b. July 21, 1963), and Laura (b. September 27, 1964). Carol was a devoted mother who emphasized a well-rounded upbringing, balancing family time, games, sports, Scouts, camping, and church activities.

Carol and Bob later built a vacation home near Leavenworth, Washington, where they spent summers enjoying hikes, fishing, and the scenic surroundings. After moving to Evergreen, Colorado, the family embraced mountain life with rodeos, camping, and trips to Denver.

Another chapter of Carol’s life unfolded in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, where she and Bob were active members of the local yacht club and enjoyed many outings on their boat, the "Etro." Carol and the family enjoyed wonderful trips into the gulf, fishing, and sun tanning on the decks. Eventually, they settled in Conifer, Colorado, where Carol designed and oversaw the creation of a custom-built home that reflected her style and warmth.

When her children were in high school, Carol worked at a law firm but, after a few years, realized it wasn’t her calling. She then became a secretary at Church of the Hills in Evergreen, where she formed lifelong friendships. She cherished her monthly gatherings with the "Birthday Club," a close-knit group who celebrated each other’s birthdays and shared both life’s joys and challenges together.

Carol’s retirement years were spent alongside Bob, visiting children, grandchildren, and making memories through travels with family and friends. Known as “Nana,” she delighted in teaching her grandchildren to paint, craft and cook. Story time with Nana was always an anticipatory event, and she encouraged her grandkids to be avid readers. Carol had a superpower for knowing when someone needed a hug, a listening ear, or a loyal friend. She created a legacy of love and kindness that her family will cherish forever.