Grace Carson-Marvin, 93

Grace Carson-Marvin “passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” on April 13, 2011.

Grace was 93 years old and affectionately known as “Grandma Go-Go” because of her high-energy attitude toward life and because of her blue 1966 Mustang. She was loved by everyone who knew her. The positive influence she had on her friends and family was amazing — she truly was “Amazing Grace.”

Grace was born on May 18, 1917, in rural Wadena County in northern Minnesota. Her parents were William and Luanna White. Grace was the third of five children. When she was 12 years old, the family moved to Bemidji, Minn. The Depression of 1929 didn’t faze the family in the least — they were so poor, they hardly noticed.

Grace graduated from Bemidji High School in 1935. She attended Northern Business College in Bemidji. Grace met Ralph N. Carson in 1932, and they were married on Dec. 26, 1935. From this marriage six children were born, Jan, Newell, Mike, Greg, Jay and Kim.

Grace loved to travel. She loved quilting and made countless quilts for family and friends. She was a daredevil and in her youth jumped off the family garage roof, just because her siblings dared her to. Later in life, when she was about 70, she went down the Banzai water slide run, just because her kids dared her to. She lived her life to the fullest and had a strong faith in God, which showed in her everyday living.

Grace had always been active in her church. In her younger years, she sang in the choir, taught Sunday school and was very active in Bible study fellowship. Grace and Ralph “retired” and joined I.S.I., International Students Incorporated, in 1973. They served with I.S.I. in Colorado Springs, Colo., doing mission work to reach international students who study in the U.S.A. Grace was a secretary and Ralph ran the print shop.

Grace and Ralph moved to Kalispell in 1983 and retired again. Ralph passed away all too soon in 1984.

 Grace married Robbin Marvin in 1996. Together they continued ministry with I.S.I. in Canada and the U.S.A., as well as overseas follow-up. They had been active at Central Bible Church and enjoyed life in the Flathead until old age slowed her down.

Grace is survived by her husband, Rob; sister, Arkley Barber; six children, Jan Chelberg of Mesa, Ariz., Newell and Barbara Carson of Kalispell, Mike and Mary Lou Carson of Dubois, Wyo., Greg and Joy Carson, and Jay Carson, all of Kalispell, and Kim Carnes of Mesa; “seventh child,” nephew Carson and Gail Gardner of Waubun, Minn.; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her six stepchildren, Daniel, Robbin, Stephen, James, Richard and Joy.

There will be a memorial service for Grace at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, at Central Bible Church, 902 First Ave. E., in Kalispell.

The family wants to thank Kalispell Regional Medical Center’s Home Option Hospice for their gentle and understanding care.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is handling the arrangements.