Bernita May Carollo, our loving wife, mother, matriarch, and mentor in life, passed from this world on Sunday, September 1, 2024 surrounded by her family.

Bernita was born on May 12, 1945 on Orcas Island, Washington to Mike and Mildred Flaherty. She had four sisters and a brother – Judy, Mickey, Odelsa, Marlene and Michael. The island was a sweet and magical place to grow up and the family thrived on the fertile soils and bounty from the Puget Sound, instilling a love of gardening, fishing, boating, canning, farming, and eventually ranching.

Bernita married Jim Anspach at a young age, and they raised their three children – Terri, Dixie and Jim – on their own farm on the island, continuing the family legacy of farming and gardening. They started their own successful excavating business until they decided to move to Ellensburg in 1980 and take up cattle ranching.

Bernita and Jim eventually divorced, and she later married Ken Carollo on April 20, 1991. They bought 21 acres on the west side of Ellensburg where they built their home and started their life together. She landscaped an incredible garden, and they put in an orchard where she spent most of her time nurturing her beautiful flowers, vegetables and fruits. Bernita and Ken loved to ride horses, snowmobile, western art, boating, and had a cattle herd of their own. She also loved to travel and explore new places and foods (she was a wonderful cook).

Family came first for Bernita and she loved every moment she spent with them! Her family was truly her world! She was a supporter of her kid’s and grandkid’s endeavors and loved watching the little great-grands funny antics. She was such a strong and positive influence on all of us.

Bernita is survived by her husband, Ken Carollo; kids Terri Bailey, Dixie Jimenez, Jim Anspach and stepson Cody Carollo and their families; 12 grandchildren and 17 great- grandchildren; three sisters and a brother.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 23, 2024 at the McIntosh Ranch in Ellensburg, Washington. Please join us to share some food and wonderful memories!

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com.