Longtime and well-known Sanford resident and educator, Carolyn "Kaye" Lopez, 74, died June 4, 2024 at her home in Sanford surrounded by her loving family.

Kaye was born in Morenci, Arizona on January 5, 1950, the daughter to Max Duward Martin and Arlene Otteson Martin Reed. She married Locadio Lopez in Taos, New Mexico on January 25, 1968 and to this union five children were born, Terry, Tina, Lindy, Jason, and Brett. Lokie preceded Kaye in death on May 10, 2007.

Kaye worked for the Flavin family making turquoise jewelry then went to college and earned her degree in music and elementary education. She then took a job with the Sanford School District and worked there for more than 30 years as a Teacher, Basketball and Volleyball Coach, Band Teacher, School Bus Driver, and a sub. Kaye also kept the books and ran the clock at many school ballgames. She was an avid soft-ball player and pitched well into her 50's.

Kaye also enjoyed raising farm animals, including her cows, horses, and chickens. She loved her flower gardens, and most importantly loved spending time with her family. She absolutely loved her grandchildren. Kaye was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and held many callings throughout the years, including Music and Choir, Sunday School, and Seminary Teacher. She loved and cared for her students.

Kaye is survived by her children Tina (Tom) Rogers of Sanford, CO, Lindy (Shanda) Lopez of Centennial, CO, Jason Lopez of Centennial, CO, and Brett (Amanda) Lopez of Sanford, CO; twelve grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; her siblings: Coleen Martin of Sanford, CO, Richard (Jackie) Martin of Manassa, CO, Leana McCarroll of La Jara, CO, Ross (Donna) Reed of St. Louis, MO, and Van (Claire) Reed of Johnstown, CO; her step brother Leon (Kathy) Reed of Thornton, CO; her sister-in-law Teri Martin of Yukon, Oklahoma; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and students.

Kaye is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Locadio, her son Terry Lopez, her brother Max Ray Martin, her step-siblings Sharon Sowards, Calvin Reed, Gordon Reed, LaVerne Williams, and Beverly Powell, her brother-in-law Rod McCarroll, and her niece Rebekah Martin.

A Visitation will be held from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the Sanford Relief Society room, followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. both on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at the Sanford Wards Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Interment will follow services in the Sanford Cemetery.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, remembrances, words of comfort or tributes for Kaye's family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com