Carrie Jo Black

Carrie Jo Black, 55, of La Grande, died Jan. 27 at her home surrounded by her family. A Mass of Christian burial will begin at 6 tonight at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. Burial will be at Hillcrest East Cemetery at 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Carrie was born Jan. 27, 1956, to Robert Jacob and June Louise (Kaysinger) Kohler in La Grande. She grew up in La Grande and attended La Grande High School. Carrie married Sam Black Jr. and they are the parents of one son, Sam.

Carrie loved spending time outside with her roses and taking care of her flowers and garden. She loved to go to the river and swim with her grandsons. Her favorite thing was being with her grandsons, Ryker, Rogan and Rocco.

Carrie was a devoted member of the Catholic Church and active in the parish. She was president of the Altar Society and had a special devotion to the older women of the parish, always making sure they received cards or flowers on behalf of the parish on their birthdays and holidays; and giving them rides to appointments, Mass and church activities.

Those who knew Carrie say she was a hard worker and took on many jobs at the parish that others shied away from. They say she was surprised by the outpouring of love that came to her during her illness.

She is survived by her husband, Sam; her son and his wife, Sam and Rachel Black of La Grande; five siblings, Vicki Fleshman of Joseph, Gail Hatch of La Grande, Chris Farrar of Federal Way, Wash., Robert Kohler of La Grande and Dyann Kohler of La Grande; and three grandsons.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Altar Society of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in care of Loveland Funeral Chapel.

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