Retha Carlson

Retha Mae Carlson, 76, went to be with her Lord at home in Manchester, Washington on August 8, 2008.  She was born October 7, 1931 in Wenatchee, Washington to Floyd & Bertha (Brubaker) Robison.  She graduated from South Kitsap High School in 1949 and married John W. Carlson on June 16, 1950 in Port Orchard.  He preceded her in death in 2003. Retha worked for more than 30 years as a Bookkeeper, retiring in 1991 in West Covina, California.  Her first job was in Port Orchard working for Joe Haas' Real Estate and her last was with The Southwest General Baptist Conference Office where she learned to use a computer.  Her real career was being wife, mother, grandmother and friend.  She enjoyed reading, gardening, keeping house, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.  She was a believer in The Saviour Jesus Christ.  Church fellowship was always important, as well as serving in the church. Surviving are son John (Suzanne) Carlson of Ridgefield, WA; daughters Janis Carlson of Manchester and Beverly Wilder of Post Falls, ID; brothers Loren (Geri) Robison of Port Townsend, WA and Bob (Pat) Robison of Port Orchard; sister Eileen (Clarence) Stevens of Palisades, WA; sister-in-law Helen Robison of Centralia, WA; 16 grandchildren and 14+ great-grandchildren.  God graced Retha with a special friend, Travis Gunter, whom she loved and would have married if health had permitted.  Her family loves him too.  She was preceded in death by brother Leland. Visitation August 14th from 9am to 5pm and August 15th from 9m to 2pm at Rills Life Tribute Center in Port Orchard.  Graveside service at 3:00 pm on August 15, 2008 at Sunset Lane Memorial Park in Port Orchard.  Memorial Service at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 16th at Manchester Community Church.  Memorial donations to Hospice of Kitsap County or Mission Fund at Manchester Community Church.