Le Roye C. Carlson, 88, of Spearfish, SD, died Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at Kokesh Loving Care in Spearfish.

Visitation will be on Sunday, November 16, 2008 from 4:00PM until 6:00PM at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish, with Family Services starting at 6:00PM.

Funeral Services will be on Monday, November 17, 2008 at 10:00AM at Mountain View Baptist Church in Spearfish, with Pastor Steve Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Spearfish.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Hospice of the Northern Hills and Mountain View Baptist Church.

Le Roye Crane Carlson was born December 28, 1919 in Lebanon, SD, to B. Lee and Lula Crane. She was called "the question box" as she grew up with six younger brothers and sisters. The family moved to Spearfish in 1936 where she graduated from high school in 1938 and the Normal School in 1939. She was required to quit teaching in 1940 when she married Leonard E. Carlson from Vale, SD, on December 28th, which was also her 21st birthday. She believed education was vital and said, "You're never too old to learn." After having three children, she earned a B.S. and Master's Degree from Black Hills Teachers College and an Early Childhood Education Degree from Colorado State University. Teaching everything from first grade to education classes at Black Hills State University, Le Roye inspired hundreds of students through the years. She always had stories to tell of student successes and was proud to see them attain their goals.

Le Roye is survived by one son, Kenn (Judy Blair) Carlson of Wittmann, AZ, two daughters, Jean (Marv) Sophusson and Carole (Dennis) Dahl all of Spearfish, sisters, Imogene (Stan) Somers of Spearfish, Cora Lou (Jim) Palmer and sister-in-law Elaine Crane all of Brackettville, TX, seven grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, one great great grandson and numerous nieces and nephews.

Le Roye was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Leonard in 2005, a brother Sherman Crane at age three, a sister Lorraine, and three other brothers, Irvin, Darwin, and Harold.

Le Roye enjoyed word games, sewing, painting, cooking, reading, traveling, and activities involved with Mountain View Baptist Church, Republican Women, American Association of University Women, Birthday Club, and Retired Teachers Association.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels & Crematory Service of Spearfish, SD. Online condolences may be written at: www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com