Moxee, Washington - Carla was born on June 11, 1949, in Sycamore, Illinois, to Robert and Violet Kellman. She and her two siblings spent their early years in Illinois, where the family ran their local store. Eventually, they sold the store and moved west to Selah, Washington.

Carla graduated from Selah High School, and it was during this time that her lifelong love of animals truly blossomed. She began raising and showing dogs, particularly flat-coated retrievers. She also developed a deep passion for Arabian horses. One of her fondest memories was riding her horse, Patty, throughout Selah and the Yakima Valley with her friends.

Carla attended CWU and earned her degree in Special Education. She began teaching at Union Gap School in 1977 and later joined the Yakima School District in 1990.

In 2001, Carla's dream of owning a farm came true when she and her husband, Robert, purchased a ranch in Moxee. She immediately brought horses back into her life.

After retiring, Carla wasn't quite ready to hang up her teaching hat and continued her work in education with the Toppenish School District for a few more years.

Carla's legacy extends far beyond her professional accomplishments. Over her 20+ years as a teacher, she also fostered several children, generously opening her home, her heart, and her life.

In her retirement, Carla continued living life to the fullest. She shared her love of horses with her children and grandchildren, traveled with friends and family, and found joy in creating beautiful beadwork and art. Carla had a gift for seeing the good in people and gave generously of herself to everyone around her.

When her health made riding difficult and she lost her beloved dog, Lacey, Carla sold the ranch and returned to Selah, the place that always felt like home. She spent her final years surrounded by loved ones, attending her grandchildren's activities and enjoying lunch dates with friends.

Carla's life was rich with adventure, generosity, and love. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and the deep bonds she forged with those lucky enough to know her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Violet Kellman, her husband, Robert Harcum, her daughter, Carie Stryka, and her brother, Bruce Kellman. She is survived by her sister, Judy Kjellman, her son, Sam Harcum of Yakima, daughters, Julie (Don) Bersing of Moxee, Kristy (Nathan) Mulroy of Moxee, Erica Harcum of Yakima, and Cheree Phillips of Portland, and ten grandchildren, Megan, Davian, Gavin, Parker, Kiersten, Violet, Mina, Michael, Jayla, Jahmaica, Arie and Brian.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Yakima Humane Society in her honor.

A service to celebrate Carla's life will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 1:00pm, at Brookside Funeral Home (500 W. Prospect Way, Moxee).

Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.