Carla Jean Clerkin, age 74 of Colorado City, Colorado, passed away on February 22, 2018, peacefully in her sleep. She was born to the late George and Frances Davis on September 17, 1943 in Bell, California. Carla was preceded in death by her brothers George Davis, Keith Davis, Mark Davis, her sister Mary Davis, her brother-in-law Tony Bacino, and her sister-in-law Liz Davis. Surviving family includes husband Gary Clerkin, Tracy (Earl) Wolfe, Todd (Amanda) Clerkin, Misty (Brian) Hunley, Kara Clerkin, Gary E. (Jami) Clerkin, Bowen Clerkin, Evan Wolfe, Skylar Vinyard, Kathy Bacino, Michael Jon Davis, Patty (Wayne) Halligan, Muriel Ann Davis, Mabel (Ross) Reineke, Linda Davis, Georganna (Pete) Morlan, Linda Heikes, Mary Jo Hallock, many cousins on both sides, James (Deanna) Heikes, Jewel Castro, Michael Davis, Lance Sjodin, Keith Reineke, Amanda (Marshall) Jordan, Christine Morlan, Mallory (Rody) Salas, Marissa Davis, Braxton Davis, Cody Heikes, Jacob Heikes, Willow Morlan, Tate Morlan, and Curtis Mitchell (fiancé of Marissa Davis).
Carla attended the University of Colorado on the Holt Scholarship earning a teaching certificate and continued her studies throughout Europe and Brazil. Carla moved back to Colorado in 1972 where she met and married the love of her life, Gary Clerkin, on February 6, 1975. They were married for 43 years and resided in Colorado City. In 1992 they purchased the historic Shady Greenhorn where they enjoyed spending time with family hosting the yearly Davis Golf Invitational for over 30 years.
Carla had an exciting career with Crawford and Company traveling throughout Colorado as an Insurance Claims adjuster. She was an avid member of the N.A.I.W. dedicated to the advancement of professional insurance women. Carla appeared in court many times as an expert witness for workman compensation claims. After retiring from Crawford and Company, Carla then pursued a successful career with Mary Kay Cosmetics, meeting many wonderful women.
Carla and Gary enjoyed many of the same interests. They hunted small and big game all throughout the southwest where Carla shot her first antelope and she was hooked. Their extensive travels were highlighted by the Westminster Dog Show, Washington, D.C., and the original Phantom of the Opera, along with a trip to Ireland, where they investigated Gary’s ancestry. They shared the joy of gardening, planting hundreds of tulips each Spring that they enjoyed along with the deer.
Carla’s passion for political discussions and affairs of the world encouraged her to support women’s rights and to be a lively opponent for any discussion. Carla’s passion for reading on any subject/topic/or genre along with her lust for learning was unparalleled. Card playing was a challenge for Carla. She looked forward to her weekly bridge club, and a robust round of pinochle, and “Oh Hell” with friends and family. But what inspired us to love Carla the most was to see her officiating a good hockey game, whether in person or at home. She was an exuberant fan.
Carla’s life was too short for many, but those who were touched by her understood the quality of her existence far exceeded the quantity of time in which one lives. Her gentle smile brought so much joy to our family.
I will miss you my best friend, my lover, and my partner.
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A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 22nd, at 10 a.m. at the T. G. McCarthy Funeral Home, 329 Goodnight Avenue, Pueblo, CO. In lieu of flowers or plants, donations in Carla's name may be made to the PAWS for life - no kill shelter in Pueblo: https://www.nokillnetwork.org/d/Colorado/Animal-Welfare-and-Protection-Society-(Pueblo)~1234
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