Carla Dunlap

Carla Jean Dunlap was born on November 10, 1949 in Muscatine, Iowa. Born to Winton Lee and Marie Dunlap, Carla was the oldest of three children, including Dennis and Lisa. In 1965, the family moved to Holland, Michigan. Carla attended West Ottawa High School and received her undergraduate from Grand Valley State University in art history and teaching.

Carla taught at Hart Public Schools for many years, at a charter school in Muskegon, and ended her teaching career in Arizona. In 2020, she moved back to Michigan. Carla was passionate about art, and did many art projects with her students. She had a special love for children, and spent summers in the migrant education program in Oceana County. She also served as a Big Sister in a mentoring organization. Applying her artistic ability to the natural world, she became a Master Gardener.

Carla’s love for animals is unmatched. Fortunately, her mother was supportive. At one point the family included a parakeet, a guinea pig, two white mice, a dog, a cat, and a beloved pigeon named Bunny who lived for twenty years. Carla had the opportunity to raise black labrador retrievers. They were remarkable pets, and one actually became a seeing eye dog. She loved her cats and they were a great comfort to her.

Carla also enjoyed traveling. During her college years, she participated in a work study program in London. Later, she traveled to Ireland and also enjoyed seeing the United States.

Thirty years ago, Carla developed an interest in genealogy. She was able to trace the family roots back to the 1770’s, and possibly, to George Washington. Through her research, she made long and lasting friendships.

After a fierce battle with cancer, Carla passed away on June 16, 2025. Her passing was peaceful and she was not alone. She was proceeded in death by her father in 1960, and her mother in 1986. A sister, Carolyn Kay, was lost during birth. We rejoice that Carla is now reunited with her beloved father, mother, sister, her many pets, and her God.

A private service will be held. Memorials may be made to Scarlett’s Cat Sanctuary or Faithful to Felines.