LEONA FAY ‘GRANNY’ (SORENSON) CARR
Dec. 28, 1935–Oct. 15, 2024
Leona Fay “Granny” Sorenson Carr passed away surrounded by loved ones on Oct. 15, 2024, in Newcastle, Wyoming, at the age of 88 years old.
Leona was born on Dec. 28, 1935, at the Bill Sorenson home east of Vale, South Dakota. She was the fifth child born to Chris and Arthela Carr Sorenson.
According to her journal, her family endured many challenges during the Great Depression, including many relocations, until they finally settled in Sturgis, South Dakota, in her fourth-grade year. Eventually her parents were able to purchase their first home, the “Poker Alice” house. Leona wrote, “No, it wasn’t easy being raised in a house with a bad reputation, but life goes on.” This might be where she picked up her love for trips up to Deadwood.
After she completed high school, she moved to Newcastle and began working for Mary Ann’s Drive-In as a carhop. There, Leona met the love of her life, Fred Carr, and the couple was blessed with five children, the beginning of a family that has spanned generations.
Her family, friends, and community will remember her as a kind, gentle, patient, and loving matriarch who taught them to love hard and how to forgive.
For 36 years Leona served as a safe ride to and from school for hundreds of “Dogies” as a school bus driver. Those lucky enough to ride on her bus could always count on her. At her home on Gray Boulevard in Newcastle, she joyfully maintained her flowers and many fountains around her back deck. It was well known that all were welcome to stop by any time, whether for a game of cards, a cup of coffee, or a bite of whatever she had on hand.
Leona lived her life in a way that made everyone feel comfortable, because they always knew she would be there. Births, deaths, weddings, graduations, games, birthdays, meets; you could always count on seeing her there in support. She made everyone feel as though she was their number one fan.
Although her goal was to live until 105, the good Lord (and, of course, Fred) must have needed her in heaven a little bit sooner. Although her unwavering presence will be missed, her loved ones can take solace in the fact that her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who love her.
Leona was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Carr; her parents, Chris and Arthela Sorenson; in-laws, Leo and Mary Carr; and siblings, Evelyn, Clifford (Helen) Sorenson, Mary (Ray) Wallcott, Doriene (Alex) Scheneman, and Nina (Floyd) Bayer; daughter-in-law, Jodie Carr; and numerous other beloved family members and friends.
Leona is survived by her five children, Doug (Susie) Carr of Gillette, Wyoming, Christie (Brian) Wornkey of Newcastle, Carol (Larry) Parker of Granbury, Texas, Duane Carr of Duval, Washington, and Leo (Pamela) Carr of Newcastle; as well as 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Meridian Mortuary, 111 S. Railway Ave., Newcastle, WY, 82701 or expressions of sympathy may also be made online at meridianmortuary.com. In honor of Leona, please donate to your favorite charity.