Rhiannon Jade Carl

Rhiannon Jade Carl, born on a Friday, October 3rd, 1980, entered this world under the most extraordinary circumstances, just hours after her family's home was tragically engulfed in a gas explosion. She became our Friday Baby Boom, a symbol of resilience and hope from the very beginning.

Rhiannon's life was a testament to the power of love and the enduring bonds of family. She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and the unbreakable connections she formed throughout her lifetime. Rhiannon is survived by her loving daughter, Jade (Ben), who brought immeasurable joy to her life, and her heart swelled with pride and love for her only grandchild, Hunter.

She is also survived by her parents, Sharon and Tom Knudtson, her father, Roger Carl, her stepfather, Mike Dane, Rhiannon's siblings, Adrienne (Jeff), Jesse (Shawn), Curt (Melissa), Jerry (Shelby), Michelle (Casey), David, Joren (John), and Kristian (Lyndsey), Mike Laughlin, the father of her children, and, Stefan Luft with whom she found companionship and love with for the last several years. Her journey was marked by both joy and sorrow, as she grieved the loss of her beloved daughter, Gracie, in 2021, and her Grandpa Baughman, in 2022.

Rhiannon's greatest joys and proudest accomplishments were her children, Jade and Gracie, and her treasured grandchild, Hunter. Her heart was a wellspring of compassion, and she wore her emotions openly for all to see. Rhiannon's purpose in life was clear—to bring joy to the lives of others and to care for those less fortunate than herself.

She had a heart that was almost too big for this world. Rhiannon was a fighter, and her battle against addiction was one of her most formidable challenges. Yet, she fought valiantly, not only for her own sake but for the sake of those she held dearest. In the days leading up to her passing, she was on the cusp of stability, with a future that looked brighter with each passing moment—days, weeks, and months ahead, rather than mere minutes or hours.

Rhiannon's life was a testament to her resilience and determination. She had achieved sobriety, found steady employment, and enthusiastically participated in family gatherings. She was rediscovering herself and reconnecting with loved ones, a testament to her enduring spirit. She had even secured her own apartment—a symbol of newfound independence and hope that she held dear.

Among her many passions, Rhiannon had a particular fondness for garage sales and bargain hunting, finding joy in the thrill of a good deal. She relished being surrounded by people, a quality that made her an exceptional waitress for many years and a cherished favorite among her customers. Rhiannon had a gift for banter and could always bring a smile to the faces of those she served.

But perhaps her greatest joy was found in the presence of babies. Rhiannon would seize any opportunity to babysit, her heart overflowing with love and warmth in their company.

In the memory of Rhiannon Jade Carl, let us remember her as a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend. Her life was a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the enduring bonds of family. May she rest in peace, her heart forever surrounded by the love she so freely gave to others.

A visitation for Rhiannon will be held Sunday, September 24, 2023 from 1:00pm – 5:00pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes – Ball Dunn Chapel, 621 S. Jefferson St. Mason, MI 48854. A funeral service will be held Monday, September 25, 2023 at 11AM with a visitation one hour prior at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes – Ball Dunn Chapel.

Any contributions may be made to City Rescue Mission of Lansing or Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) in Rhiannon’s honor.