Carolyn Dame Stienmier, a long-time Fort Collins resident, registrar, and the creative force behind a Poudre Valley homestead, passed away on October 12, 2026, following an extended battle with cancer.
Born in Casper, Wyoming, on August 19, 1942, to Ray Dame and Shirley England, Stienmier grew up in a family that eventually relocated to Colorado Springs. There, she attended Cheyenne Mountain High School, developing a deep appreciation for the outdoors, horses, and dogs. She later studied psychology at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, where she met her husband of more than 50 years, Roy.
Over five decades, the couple transformed a newly built log house in the Poudre Valley into an established family sanctuary. Stienmier famously welcomed all growth to the property with her guiding philosophy: “If it’s green, it’s welcome.” Under her orchestration, the landscape evolved into an oasis filled with trees, bushes, flowers, and ample space for children, horses, and countless dogs.
Beyond her home life, Stienmier became a familiar and trusted fixture within the educational community. She spent 25 years working at Fort Collins High School, starting as the attendance secretary before eventually serving as the registrar. Known among students and staff for her keen eye and approachable demeanor, she supported teenagers through their academic, musical, athletic, and theatrical endeavors.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Roy. She is survived by her daughter Kathryn (Rex), her son David (Cass), her granddaughter Lucy, her brother Dave, her sister Bonny, and her beloved terrier Kaci, alongside a gaggle of nieces and nephews.
A brief graveside service will be held at Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 21, 2026. A reception will follow immediately in the activities space at Rigden Farms, located at 2350 Limon Dr. in Fort Collins.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Fort Collins High School Music Department. Contributions can be directed online by selecting the music option on the department menu, or by mailing a check directly to Fort Collins High School Music, Attn: Andraya Perron, 3400 Lambkin Way, Fort Collins, CO 80525.
