Carla Jeane Elstad Schorle
On May 2, 1944, while her father was overseas fighting in WWII, Carla Jeane Elstad was born to Stanley Laverne and Emma Jeanne (Standlee) Elstad in Prosser, WA. Her brother, Steev, was born three years later. The Elstad’s made their home in Grandview, WA.
Carla graduated from Grandview High School in 1963, then graduated from Mr. Lee’s beauty school. She was married briefly to Larry Estabrook and gave birth to her son, Shawn Standlee.
She married Carl Malmgren, Jr in 1970 and in 1971, they welcomed their two daughters, Rachelle Lee, born in February and Tonja Lee, born in November. Carl and Carla raised their family in Prosser, WA. They divorced in 1987.
Carla went through a dark period after her divorce from Carl. She was brought out of that darkness when her good friend, Barb Watkins, introduced her to Tim Schorle. Tim and Carla were married in Prosser in 1993 and they lived in Selah for several years, where Carla worked as a paraprofessional at Selah Middle School. They loved their life in Selah, but the beach had been calling to Tim, so the two moved to Lincoln City, Oregon. They enjoyed their home on the coast for many years, but eventually Carla was missing her family and wanted to move back home. At that time her mother, Jeane, was living with Tim and Carla and she too wanted to be closer to family, so the three of them moved back to Prosser in 2015.
Music was a big part of Carla’s life. She would talk fondly about the family sing-ins and dances out on County Line Rd or better known to them as Family Line Rd. Several of her aunts, uncles, cousins, and her grandparents lived close, and they took turns hosting these family get togethers. Carla learned to play the piano as a child and played E flat bass in high school. Carla, Tim, and her parents, Stan & Jeane, attended many gospel concerts at the Wanita Grange in Mabton. Another benefit of moving back to Prosser allowed Carla to attend her grandchildren’s band concerts and piano recitals. It brought her great joy watching them perform.
Carla’s love of dancing started at those family gatherings out on County Line Rd. She was an avid square dancer when she and Carl were married. They were members of the Goofer Hoofers and the Shuffler Shanties. Many friendships were forged during their square-dancing years. After her divorce from Carl, Carla left square dancing behind and took up line dancing. Carla had great rhythm and moves. One memorable camping trip at Ohanapecosh when Rachelle and Tonja were in high school, Carla led the girls and whoever else was close, in several line dances. It was fun for all, even the strangers camping nearby.
Carla died on Dec. 5 at the Richland Life Care Center. She is now with her savior Jesus Christ and is reunited with her parents and brother Steev, her family from Family Line Rd and her dear friends Rusty, Judy, and Barb. Carla’s family would like to thank the staff at the Life Care Center for the loving care they provided.
Carla is survived by her beloved husband, Tim. Her son Shawn (Cecelia) of Yakima, daughters Rachelle (Jason) of Prosser, and Tonja (Jeff) of Torrington, WY, her grandchildren, Sarah (Nicholas), Jessica, Christopher (Emma), Anthony, Jonathan, Brady (Mercy), Ashley and her great grandchildren, Chloe, Kayleigh, Wesley, Lachlan, and JJ. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Karen Elstad.
A celebration of life will be held at the Horse Heaven Community Hall on Saturday, December 14th at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a mental health cause of your choosing.
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