Carmen Ann Killam
October 01, 2010
Carmen Ann Killam, died Friday, October 1, 2010, at the age of 30, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was born January 17, 1980 in Des Moines to Larry and Linda Killam.
She graduated from Ankeny High School in 1998 and continued her education at Iowa State University, graduating in 2003. Carmen attended graduate school for three years at the University of Indiana, Bloomington. She was employed by the Utah Opera as a Milliner (hat maker) where she was able to utilize her creativity. Carmen was a strong willed, kind and generous person who had a beautiful smile. She had a love of animals, music, dancing, traveling and being around others.
Carmen is survived by her parents, Larry and Linda Killam of Ankeny; brother, Jason Killam of Ankeny; aunts and uncles, Tom and Marcia North of Waunakee, WI, Cheryl and Roger Wertenberger of Ames, IA, Jim and Inez Killam of Osage Beach, MO; great-aunt, Wilma Otis of Afton, IA; cousins, Rachel and Mike North, Sarah and Jim Henle, Anne and Patrick Gurdgiel, Elizabeth Litwak, Nate Killam and Jamie Killam; her beloved cocker spaniel, Toby; as well as other numerous relatives and friends. Carmen was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ken and Helen Nauman, and John and Arlene Killam.
We will always remember Carmen’s calming spirit and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, October 7, 2010, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines. Friends may visit with family from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, October 6, 2010, at the funeral home. Burial of cremated remains will take place at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery in Des Moines at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial Contributions may be made to the Utah Opera Production Studios, 336 N 400th W, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84103, in loving memory of Carmen Ann Killam.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Julie Cross
10/21/2010
Dear Carmen's family,
I just wanted to let you know that I was so sorry to hear of your loss of Carmen. I was a friend from high school and youth group and I have such wonderful memories of spending time with Carmen at youth group - and also going swimming at your house during the summer! Carmen was such a kind and caring person - she will be missed by all who knew her. Please know that my prayers are with you and your family during this hard time.
Doris Nash
10/11/2010
Dear Killam Family,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Carmen's death last week. While I hadn't talked with her recently, I have warm memories of working with her here at Iowa State. She was a gifted designer, and it was so exciting to see her costume designs for "Stained Glass" come to fruition. I was pleased (and a little jealous) when she was accepted at IU and would get to study with Linda Pisano. Linda would send us updates from time to time on her progress, and we had the highest hopes for her career.
Please accept my deepest condolences, and know that your family, as well as Carmen, are in my thoughts and prayers.
Doris Nash
Costume Shop Supervisor, ISU Theatre
The Burgardt Family
10/08/2010
We are so very sorry for your loss. We will pray for Carmen as well as you family. Heaven has another angel. Christine Burgardt
Marilyn Porter
10/08/2010
I worked at the Production Studios the first year Carmen was there. I was impressed with the sweet girl that she was. May God bless you all with His spirit to comfort you during this incredibly difficult time and may good memories surround you forever.
Amy Frank
10/07/2010
Dearest Killam Family,
I extend my most heartfelt sympathies and prayers to your family at this difficult time. I moved to Ankeny right before beginning my freshman year of high school, and the thought of beginning school not knowing a soul, was terrifying. Carmen approached me without hesitation and introduced herself, baring her beautiful warm & gentle smile, and made me feel instantly more at ease. She was the first person to take me in, and I am extremely blessed to be able to call her a friend.
Carmen will be deeply missed, but surely not forgotten. She has such a genuine and kind-hearted personality that is rare to find. I hope that during times of grief, you will take comfort in fond memories spent together and knowing that Carmen is a shining star who truly touched the lives of many people.
Amy
Jerry & Sue Forest
10/06/2010
Larry & Linda, We are so sorry for the loss of your daughter. You are in our thoughts and prayers. You have our deepest sympathy.
Cori Kuhn Coleman
10/06/2010
Dearest Killam Family- You have my sympathy and are in my thoughts and prayers. I went to high school with Carmen and I will always remember her friendship, charisma and joy. She will be missed by many but not forgotten.
Mike and Gina Miller
10/06/2010
Larry, Linda and Jay,
We are so sorry for your loss, our love and heart goes out to you. Our memories of Carmen are of our Kart racing days and Carmen as a little girl running around with her blonde hair in the the race pits, she was so sweet and smart, what a beautiful little girl she was.
Please know that we care and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Our deepest Sympathy, Mike and Gina Miller
Bruce Wolfe
10/05/2010
God Bless The Killam,s Carmen was just a small Child when I was around Her and I would tease with Her after the Races At Raah in Oskie.. But since We have Grown older wise,r and lost the One,s closest to Us. The loss of Our Son Shane in 06 .. Larry Has been one of My Biggest Supporter,s ... So now I will try to help the Killam Family.. God Bless Bruce
Gina West
10/05/2010
Linda and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I did not know Carmen, but certainly know from her picture and wonderful kinds words that everyone has sent and written that she was a very talented and special woman. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find peace in knowing that she was appreciated, loved and respected by so many.
Sincerely,
Gina West
Vicki Lynn Raincrow
10/05/2010
Dearest Killam Family, My deepest sympathy. I enjoyed working with Carmen her delightful sence of humer allways kept me going in the busist times. I will miss working with her she will be greatly missed.
Sincerly, Vicki Lynn Raincrow Wardrobe Supervisor USOC
Louise Vanderhooft
10/05/2010
Please know how much Carmen was loved here. Her work was meticulous andher humor was infectious. And she was great with accessories. We will miss her .
Dan Launderville
10/05/2010
Linda, Larry, and Jason:
Words do nothing to ease the profound loss of Carmen. Understand that all of us, as family and friends, are here to help and support in anyway possible. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Nate Koehn
10/05/2010
My deepest condolences to your family during this hard time. We will all miss her very much but we will never forget her. My thoughts and prayers from my family to yours during this time of sorrow.
mary buller
10/05/2010
Larry, Linda and Jay:
We are so sorry for your loss and can't even begin to imagine the grief you feel at this time. You have been in our thoughts and prayers constantly the last several days and will continue be in the future. We are praying that with time the feelings of grief will be replaced with the many fond, joyful and precious memories you have of her.
Kermit, Mary, Chris, Cami and Matt Buller