Carol Emerson

On July 6, 2018, Carol Ann Emerson, loving mother, grandmother and friend to many, passed away at age 72 in her home. Memorial services will take place 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5, 2018 at Bustard's Funeral Home. She was born April 7, 1946 in Casper to Arthur and Hollis Gronning. She attended Natrona County High School in the class of 1964. On Nov. 17, 1962, she married James Dean Emerson. She raised their two children as a young widow, then her grandchildren. She unofficially adopted and mentored other children she would discover, never able to turn down a soul in need of comfort or the guidance a mother should give. Carol would teach them to tread water, drive a manual transmission, and make ice cream out of snow. Most of all, she made a difference in all their lives, and she'll live on in the wisdom and unconditional love she shared. She earned her high school diploma at night school and then worked for 33 years in the restaurant business, including 20 years managing Denny's restaurants in Casper. She taught generations to flip a pancake and make sure customers left satisfied even in the trickiest situations. She also worked as sterile processing technician at Wyoming Medical Center before she retired. Carol in 1974 became the first woman freefalling skydiver in Wyoming, and she was one of the first 50 female skydiving instructors in the country. Her adventures also included traveling most of the U.S. and Europe. She collected magnets, liked going to the movies, and was always in the middle of a book. There was no one she wouldn't talk to, and she struck up friendly conversations with strangers wherever she went. She's remembered her quick wit, generosity, hugs, and down-to-earth, genuine personality. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, niece Samantha Gronning and brother, Samuel Gronning. Survivors include her children, Cindy Harmon and James Emerson; grandchildren Samson Emerson, Grey Emerson (Naquita), Tyler Emerson (Bianca), Ceenan Emerson, Jimmy Emerson and Devin Emerson; 12 great grandchildren and one more on the way and many other family members and great friends. Bustard's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Service

Sunday, August 5, 2018 1:00pm

Bustard's Funeral Home

600 CY Avenue

Casper, Wyoming 82601