Carol Pera, 83

Carol Joan Southard-Pera

Hayden, Idaho (Kootenai County)

Dec. 29, 1937 - Aug. 13, 2021

On Aug. 13, 2021, Carol Joan Southard-Pera passed away at Kootenai Hospital in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho.

Carol was born in Spokane, Wash., on December 29, 1937, to her parents, Douglas Charles Sly and Gladys Esther Chesham Sly. Carol graduated from Lewis and Clark High School on June 3, 1956. Carol married Arvil Alan Southard, May 7, 1960, in Spokane, Wash. Carol became a bonus Mom to Arvil’s children Riva and Alan (Randy). The family welcomed Tonia on July 2, 1961, and then Terina on Nov. 29, 1964. Both girls were born in Portland, Ore.

Carol worked in and around the aircraft, military, fire suppression and telecommunications market. In 1973, Arvil became ill and following surgery and recovery followed God’s prompting to become a Worship Pastor. Carol, Tonia, and Terina followed Arvil to Mill Valley, Calif., where he attended Golden Gate Baptist Seminary and earned his degree. The family moved to Modesto, Calif., where Arvil served in his first church. The family later moved to Riverside, Calif. for a short time. Ongoing health issues resulted in Arvil, Terina, and Carol moving to Spokane Wash., where they had the support of extended family.

On February 25, 1984, Terina Joy Southard, married Wayne Williams of Otis Orchards, Wash. On Nov. 12, 1984, Arvil went home to sing praises and be with Jesus. On Nov. 24, 1984, Tonia Jo Southard married Paul David Stewart of Spokane, Wash. Carol spent the next 17 years loving on her children and grandkids and being a companion for her aging father. Carol is preceded in death by her mother Gladys Esther Sly, her father Douglas Charles Sly, Sister Fanny Sly-Klatt, Brother Douglas Sly, Brother Ernest Sly, and her stepson Alan Randall Southard.

Following Arvil’s passing, Carol’s immediate family surrounded her as she continued to work at Monaco Enterprises of Spokane and later joined Telect, Incorporated of Liberty Lake, Wash., in manufacturing and assembly. Carol was the best grandma, dropping everything to take care of Terina and Tonia’s kids. She enjoyed spoiling the grandkids with sugar cubes dipped in coffee and maple-bars. Another passion was making quilts for the family and friends. She made a point to stay in touch with those she loved using text messaging, FaceTime, and visits. During this time of her life, Carol became part of the Red Hatters and traveled, danced and dressed up in BIG Color. Carol became an avid square dancer.

One night a handsome man walked into the dance hall, Richard Pera. It wasn’t long before they were inseparable and on June 29, 2002, Rich and Carol were married and she moved from Liberty Lake to Hayden, Idaho.

Carol continued to spend time with grandkids making sporting events, college graduations, and weddings. She was always reaching out with amazing intentionality. Carol and Rich were active in square dancing following their marriage and became active in the Seniors Ministry at Real Life Ministries. Carol spent the last 20 years making quilts for friends as well as her family — usually while Rich was shooting at the local Gun Club. Carol and Rich traveled around the northwest in their motorhome, cruised to Alaska, and stayed active in life. Carol was an avid walker, always focusing on making more than 10,000 steps a day until approximately 4 years ago when her health began to decline. Carol’s intentionality was genuine and real. The families’ favorite expression of her love was her ritual of singing happy birthday to everyone each year, you could always count on her singing to you because she wouldn’t give up until she reached you. She would reach out always, wanting to visit and make sure you were doing well. She modeled caring in a way her children, grandkids and many others will remember forever.

Carol is survived by her sister Audrey Sly Headman of Cathlamet, Wash.; husband Rich Pera; daughter Tonia Stewart, her husband David Stewart, daughter Carina Stewart-Winkelman, granddaughters Addilynn, and Emmelyn, and son Alan Stewart; daughter Terina Williams, her husband Wayne Williams, son and daughter-in-law Mitchell and Sydney Williams, their son James and daughter Reed, son and daughter-in-law Spencer and Audreyauna Williams, their daughter Georgia and son Theodore and daughter Zoey, and daughter/son-in-law Shayla and Sam McGhee, their son Harrison and daughter Elliot. Stepdaughter and husband Riva and Mike Morgan, their son Jared Morgan and son and daughter-in-law Tony and Natalie Morgan and their children; Renee, Alaina, Olivia, and Silas.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. on Aug. 21, 2021, at Valley Real Life Church 1831 S Barker Road, Greenacres, Wash. 99016. Memories can be shared at https://www.carols.life