Carmen Ruth Sletmoe

Carmen R. Sletmoe, 69 of Cedar Park, Tx and Leonard, ND died peacefully at her home in her sleep after a long struggle with Parkinson’s.

Carmen Ruth (Lopez) Sletmoe was born December 19, 1950 in Culver City, California. At three months of age, she moved in with her forever-foster-parents, Lawrence & Olevine Ragone of Baldwin Park, CA. From that blessed point on, they and their children, Yanna and Frank, treated her as a beloved member of their family. She graduated from Bishop Amat Catholic high school in 1969. That summer during a family vacation at Big Bear Lake, CA she attended a dance and met her future husband, native-North Dakotan and US Marine Norman Sletmoe. After completing a year at Citrus Community College, Carmen married Norman on his birthday, July 6, 1970. They lived a few months in Covina, CA before putting down roots in Leonard, North Dakota to farm. It was a hard transition for her to leave the big city and all her friends and family, but Carmen was able to use her God-given talent for making friends wherever she went. They soon had two children, Cathryn “Cathy” (born 1971) and Stephen “Steve” (born 1973). Norman and Carmen made sure she and the kids returned to California often to visit loved ones.

Once the children began high school, Carmen turned her attention to her goal of earning a college degree. In 1987, she attained her associate degree in accounting/bookkeeping from Moorhead Tech, enabling her to work for various companies in the Fargo area such as Red River Commodities, Cargill, RDO, and Cas County Social Services. She continued pursuing her education while working, and in 2000 was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Mary. She began volunteering every summer at the Red River Valley Fair after retiring in 2004.

While her and her children’s educations were among her proudest accomplishments, those closest to her know that her four grandchildren were her pride and joy. Her daughter Cathy delivered her first grandchildren, twins Connor and Olivia, in August, 2004. In November, 2007, Cathy and her husband Chris blessed her with another set of twins, James and Mary Cathryn. Over many years, Carmen and her son-in-law’s parents were instrumental in helping Cathy and Chris care for all the new arrivals. Norman and Carmen retired from farming in 2012 and bought a second home in Texas to be near the grandkids and see them play sports. Besides her family, she enjoyed reading, movies, casinos, eating out and shopping. Catching up with loved ones over the phone, coffee or lunch brought her much joy, and she was a prayer warrior for those who were struggling. She will be missed by many who knew her to be resilient, funny, competitive, independent, and faithful to friends, family and God.

Carmen is survived by her loving husband Norman of nearly 50 years, who faithfully cared for her during her health struggles over the last 15 years; her son, Stephen, of Victorville, CA; her daughter and son-in-law Cathy and Chris White of Cedar Park, TX and their four children; her sister, Yanna, of Anza, CA; and many other relatives, friends, nieces & nephews from California & Nevada to North Dakota & Minnesota. She was preceded in death by her foster parents, her brother Frank and his wife, Barbara, her brother-in-law Don Brown. In lieu of flowers, you are invited to send donations to the National Parkinson’s Foundation (200 Se First St. Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131). The family also invites you to leave a message or memory at armstrongfuneralhomes.com. Carmen taught CCD, was a member of the Altar Society, and was a Eucharistic Minister.    

We love you, Carmen/Mom, and look forward to our reunion in heaven!

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