Karlie Jean Geiser Hobson, 32

Karlie Jean Geiser Hobson is a loving and compassionate daughter, wife, sister, aunt and friend, who died unexpectedly Aug. 18, 2012, in a car accident, near her home in Eugene, Ore.

Karlie achieved a great deal in her young life — she obtained her bachelor’s degree from the University of Montana, Missoula, her master’s in speech language pathology from the University of Oregon, Eugene, and has been practicing as a Speech Pathologist since 2005. She has also been the Director of Speech at the Eugene Hearing and Speech Center since 2008.

Karlie is also an outdoor enthusiast, a finisher of the Portland Marathon, a dog lover, an organic garden cultivator, a culinary genius and a woman who genuinely loved to help a stranger on the street. She was devoted to making her family and friends feel loved, and we felt this with her daily calls and texts. She inspired everyone around her to be a better person and had a smile that radiated joy. Karlie was a caregiver and ensured that all those around her knew they were loved.

Karlie leaves behind her heartbroken family — Jeremy Hobson (husband); Jeanne and John Geiser (parents); Kelly (sister) and Matt, Aidan, Bailey and Chase Woods (nephews); Jodie and Grant Hobson (parents-in-law); Ashleigh Kiesbuy (sister-in-law) and Katie McGovern (niece); numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; her patients and their families; and all of her loving friends.

In lieu of flowers, it will make Karlie smile to have you donate to the Eugene Hearing and Speech Center (501c3 nonprofit organization) in her memory. Donations will be earmarked for a project in Karlie’s honor.

A celebration of life will be held from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, at Sweet Cheeks Winery. Please feel free to bring an appetizer or dessert to share in the honor of Karlie.

Another celebration of her life will be held for Karlie at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012, at Christ Church Newman Center in St. Cloud, Minn.