Carolyn Rice Arterburn, age 93, of Aurora, Colorado, passed away on January 21 at Bethesda Gardens Loveland Assisted Living and Memory Care.

She was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, and passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy defined by kindness, creativity, and deep devotion to her family. Her life was marked by quiet strength, a generous spirit, and a heartfelt commitment to the people she loved.

Carolyn graduated from the University of Colorado and began her career as a schoolteacher, sharing her patience, warmth, and love of learning with her students. After becoming a mother, she dedicated herself fully to raising her family, a role she embraced with unwavering love and purpose. Later in life, she continued her professional journey with Metropolitan Life Insurance, where she was known for her reliability, compassion, and steady presence.

She married the love of her life, Larry Evans Arterburn, with whom she shared a lifetime of partnership, laughter, and devotion. Together they raised three children—Nancy Work, David Arterburn, and John Arterburn—who were the center of her world. Carolyn was also a proud and loving grandmother to Nathan, Jeremy, and Tyler Work, and Casey and Jason Arterburn, each of whom brought her immense joy.  She is also survived by her great granddaughter, Harper Work.

Carolyn’s personal passions added color and warmth to her life. She stayed closely connected with her high school friends, lovingly known as “The Merry Chicks.” She also found great joy singing with Sweet Adelines. To her very last days, she could remember the words to nearly every old song from the 1950s through the 1970s whenever someone picked up a guitar.

She enjoyed playing cards, sharing friendly competition and conversation with those around her. She also had a unique and cherished hobby of collecting mushroom-themed art and collectibles, a pastime that reflected her whimsical spirit and eye for beauty in unexpected places.

Her presence was gentle but deeply felt—a source of comfort, understanding, and quiet encouragement. She touched the lives of many through her kindness, her creativity, and her ability to make others feel seen and valued.

A small family gathering will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Columbarium 2, where Carolyn will be interred next to her beloved husband, Larry. The family takes comfort in knowing they are reunited in rest. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Salvation Army of Denver in her name.

Carolyn will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

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