Carolyn Joan Sawer (Jan. 29, 1938 — Feb. 15, 2017)

[Guest Nicole]

Carolyn Joan Sawer, of Carbondale, died unexpectedly in her home on Wednesday, February 15th, 2017. She was 79.

She was born in Nampa, Idaho, on January 29th, 1938, to Ernie and Mary Rupert. She was the second of six children, all girls. She grew up on the family's farm and loved working hard with her father in the fields or tending to the animals. She loved animals. As a child she would ride her Shetland pony, Traveler, to Lone Star Elementary school until the 8th grade. She graduated Nampa High School in 1956. Later she went to Boise Junior College where she learned to be a nurse. Starting in 1960 she worked at Hospitals in Boise, San Jose, Seattle and Denver before coming to work at Aspen Valley Hospital in 1965 to 1969.

In Aspen she met her husband of 47 years, Kenny Sawer. They were married in 1969 and had 3 children: Jennifer Doreen Sawer (Major) of Carbondale, Shawnee Tyler Sawer, now deceased and Corry David Sawer of Malawi, Africa.

Carolyn was a loved mother and devoted wife whose empathy and quiet demeanor made her a mother to many. In 1979 she was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Since then she devoted her life to living as a Christian. Her selflessness and quiet strength balanced the lives of those in her family and those that knew her well. Her faith in the Bible and concern for others compelled her to tell others about her hope for the future. Faith in God was an anchor in her life.

She loved the earth and as an old farm girl was happy to dig in the dirt of her garden. She was adventurous and adored the Colorado mountains. She loved to hike, ride her bike and enjoyed skiing with her family. She deeply loved her husband who was her partner in life and in fun. She was willing to follow him on any trail or through any storm.

She is survived by her husband Kenny Sawer; two of her children and their spouses, Jennifer and Tony Major and Corry and Kerry Sawer. Her five sisters: Dorthy Williams of Florida, Kay Werre of Utah, Mary Lou Tlucek of Idaho, Diane Eckout of Idaho and Rhonda James of Idaho. Also many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on March 4th at 2pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on Lyon's Ridge Road, Carbondale. Afterward a reception will be held at 3:30pm at River Valley Ranch barn. For more information please call (970) 379-7636.

Send condolences to Ken Sawer, 435 Oak Run, Carbondale CO 81623.

http://www.postindependent.com/news/obituaries/carolyn-joan-sawer-jan-29-1938-feb-15-2017/