Carolyn Ruth Lake

Carolyn Lake, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, church servant, and friend, passed away on May 30, 2026, at the age of 82.

Carolyn was born on June 11, 1943, in Clovis, New Mexico. While working as a legal assistant in her hometown, she met the love of her life, Ed Lake, who was serving as an airman at Cannon Air Force Base. Their courtship blossomed into a lifelong partnership, and they were married on August 14, 1964.

Shortly after their marriage, Carolyn and Ed made their home in Port Townsend, Washington, where they built a life centered on faith, family, and community. Though Washington became home, Carolyn never lost her connection to New Mexico. Ed faithfully took her back every year to visit family and maintain the treasured ties that meant so much to her.

Carolyn's faith was the foundation of her life. Using the shorthand skills she learned in high school, she faithfully served as church clerk at San Juan Baptist Church for more than 50 years. Her dedication extended far beyond that role. She taught Kingdom Kids, volunteered with Vacation Bible School, participated in the Women's Missionary Union, and filled many other positions throughout the years. Her service touched generations and left a lasting impact on her family and friends.

Carolyn found joy in God's creation. She especially loved flowers, with peonies, orchids, and rhododendrons among her favorites, often declaring them “beautemous”. She delighted in watching the deer wander through her backyard and often shared photographs of them with family and friends.

Her kitchen was another place where she shared her love. Carolyn's homemade biscuits and raspberry jam were family favorites, as were her many delicious pies. Whether welcoming a new neighbor, celebrating a birthday, expressing thanks, or simply brightening someone's day, Carolyn often arrived with a pie in hand. Her generosity and thoughtfulness became one of her trademarks.

She was also known for her remarkable memory. Carolyn rarely forgot a name, phone number, birthday, or important date. Friends and family could always count on her thoughtful calls, cards, and greetings that made them feel remembered and loved.

Carolyn is survived by her husband of nearly 62 years, Ed Lake; her children, Ed Lake, Jr., Barbara (Nick) Nicodemus, and Kurt (Tracy) Lake; her grandchildren, Jared, Christian, Carrie (Stephen), Payton, Adam (Alex), and Mackenzie; and her great-grandchildren, Elijah and Ellis; and her sisters, Maurine Thomas and Anita Cain.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Mary Rierson; her sisters, Joyce Hughes and Barbara Beal; and her brother, Jessie Rierson.

Carolyn's legacy of faith, service, hospitality, and love will continue to live on in the lives of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.