Carol Ruminski, 63, died peacefully at home on April 1, 2018, surrounded by her family after a brave and vicious fight with breast cancer. Her joy, humor, encouragement and light in this world will be missed so dearly.
Carol was born and raised in Roswell, New Mexico. She was the youngest of five children and was adored by her older siblings. She spent her childhood being the favored babysitter of her many nieces and nephews, who still recollect the fun they had with her. Carol graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, and then continued on to earn her master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. It was in Albuquerque where she met Ron during a campus church service, and in 1980, began what would be a happy 38-year marriage. After their wedding, the newlyweds moved to Ontario, Canada, and then Clemson, South Carolina, where they welcomed their first child, Katie. In 1984, Carol and Ron moved to Colorado Springs, and happily added daughters, Ellen and Beth, to their family. After staying home with her young daughters, Carol reentered the work force and spent 20 years in various schools in District 11. She had an undeniable gift with children, making each feel safe and loved. She spent her summers cheering on her daughters at swim meets, walking with her close friends, and rooting for the Colorado Rockies. After her retirement, Carol frequently visited her grandchildren, who think their Gram hung the moon in the sky just for them. She loved hosting gatherings, where she would cook up delicious meals and make everyone feel at home. Carol loved to travel and was always up for an adventure with Ron by her side. Whether it was a road trip to a national park, or an exciting overseas excursion, Carol wanted to fully experience this world and all it had to offer.
We will always remember her kindness and thoughtfulness and strive to be the same light to the others that she was to us.
Carol is survived by her husband, Ron; daughters: Katie Nunnally (Beau), Ellen Anderson (Sean), Beth Ruminski (Aaron Page); grandchildren: Layla, Joseph, and George; brother, Tom Patteson; sisters: Margaret Brower (Walt), Patsy McGinty, Mary Jane Madison (Richard); and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would also like to remember the close friends who tirelessly supported Carol through her cancer battle.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 6, 2018 at Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church, 11020 Teachout Road.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to one of the following organizations that were important to Carol: Rocky Mountain PBS, Catholic Charities of Central Colorado, or Pikes Peak Library District.