Obituary for Natalie Carlson West
Natalie Carlson West, 45, of Salida Colorado, passed away gracefully on April 25, 2023, after battling illness for the last 14 years.
Natalie was born on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, on September 4, 1977, in Twin Falls, Idaho to Keith and Janet Carlson. She was such an outgoing little girl. She was the life of the party and knew how to put a smile on almost anyone’s face. Natalie had a special bond with her brother (Cache) and sister (Sarah), growing up. It was impossible to see one without the others. Natalie was her brother’s biggest fan when he was a part of the high school rodeo team. Through high school, she always kept busy. Natalie was a part of the dance team and debate team. She was also involved in Kimberly’s FFA organization, where she held many Chapter and District offices. Natalie would go on to graduate from Kimberly High School in 1995. Natalie spent the following years living in various areas but lastly residing in Salida, Colorado.
Natalie met the love of her life, Terrance “Terry” West and married on December 31, 2007, in Twin Falls, Idaho. Terry was Natalie’s rock. He truly cared for her in sickness and in health. In their down time, you would find them in the mountains, enjoying all of what Mother Nature has to offer. She enjoyed feeding the squirrels and taking the wonderful scenery in. Natalie and Terry would go fishing for anything that hooked but one of their favorite memories is when she was able to snag a sturgeon. Natalie also enjoyed helping Terry with the many fundraiser's he would be apart of, through his work.
Natalie’s biggest enjoyment of her life was her two sons, Garson and Jackson. With Garson being the oldest, they spent time traveling. They lived in Florida as well as California and were always on the search for the best beach. She enjoyed being involved with his school activities but mostly the love of art they both shared. Jackson was Natalie’s little “chef”. They would bond over cooking the yummiest meals but particularly, BBQ food. She was able to witness him perfect the most delectable ribs. These two boys meant the world to Natalie.
Natalie had a heart of gold. She spent a lot of time working with the Humane Society. She was always caring for others, no matter their circumstance. She thought she could change the world. Although she encountered numerous setbacks through her illness, she gave the ultimate gift by being an organ donor.
Natalie is survived by her husband; Terry West, sons; Garson (Trinity) Hoorelbeke, and Jackson West, parents; Keith and Janet Carlson, brother; Cache Carlson, sister; Sarah Carlson Shields, nephews; Wesley Shields and Wyatt Carlson, niece; Audrey Shields, and aunt; Lana Mitchell.
Natalie is preceded in death by her grandparents; Tommy and Rose Butler, Grant and Dorothy Carlson, brother-in-law; Justin Shields and sister-in-law; Jamie Carlson.
There will be a memorial service honoring Natalie starting at 2:00 pm, on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at White- Reynolds Funeral Chapel.
Natalie was born on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, on September 4, 1977, in Twin Falls, Idaho to Keith and Janet Carlson. She was such an outgoing little girl. She was the life of the party and knew how to put a smile on almost anyone’s face. Natalie had a special bond with her brother (Cache) and sister (Sarah), growing up. It was impossible to see one without the others. Natalie was her brother’s biggest fan when he was a part of the high school rodeo team. Through high school, she always kept busy. Natalie was a part of the dance team and debate team. She was also involved in Kimberly’s FFA organization, where she held many Chapter and District offices. Natalie would go on to graduate from Kimberly High School in 1995. Natalie spent the following years living in various areas but lastly residing in Salida, Colorado.
Natalie met the love of her life, Terrance “Terry” West and married on December 31, 2007, in Twin Falls, Idaho. Terry was Natalie’s rock. He truly cared for her in sickness and in health. In their down time, you would find them in the mountains, enjoying all of what Mother Nature has to offer. She enjoyed feeding the squirrels and taking the wonderful scenery in. Natalie and Terry would go fishing for anything that hooked but one of their favorite memories is when she was able to snag a sturgeon. Natalie also enjoyed helping Terry with the many fundraiser's he would be apart of, through his work.
Natalie’s biggest enjoyment of her life was her two sons, Garson and Jackson. With Garson being the oldest, they spent time traveling. They lived in Florida as well as California and were always on the search for the best beach. She enjoyed being involved with his school activities but mostly the love of art they both shared. Jackson was Natalie’s little “chef”. They would bond over cooking the yummiest meals but particularly, BBQ food. She was able to witness him perfect the most delectable ribs. These two boys meant the world to Natalie.
Natalie had a heart of gold. She spent a lot of time working with the Humane Society. She was always caring for others, no matter their circumstance. She thought she could change the world. Although she encountered numerous setbacks through her illness, she gave the ultimate gift by being an organ donor.
Natalie is survived by her husband; Terry West, sons; Garson (Trinity) Hoorelbeke, and Jackson West, parents; Keith and Janet Carlson, brother; Cache Carlson, sister; Sarah Carlson Shields, nephews; Wesley Shields and Wyatt Carlson, niece; Audrey Shields, and aunt; Lana Mitchell.
Natalie is preceded in death by her grandparents; Tommy and Rose Butler, Grant and Dorothy Carlson, brother-in-law; Justin Shields and sister-in-law; Jamie Carlson.
There will be a memorial service honoring Natalie starting at 2:00 pm, on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at White- Reynolds Funeral Chapel.