Ralphena Mae Carlson, daughter of Nolan Otis "Blackie" and Virginia Cecil (Spencer) Wooden, was born on May 25, 1926, in Shenandoah, Iowa. She passed away on Thursday, November 15, 2007, at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, at the age of 81.

Her early life was spent in the Shenandoah area where she attended the Shenandoah Community Schools, graduating from Shenandoah High School with the Class of 1944.

On April 22, 1944, Ralphena was united in marriage to Raymond Rex Carlson in Lincoln, Nebraska. Following their marriage they made their home in rural Essex, Iowa, as Ray farmed. Five children were born to this union, Rebecca, Barbara, Linda, Beverly and John. Ralphena was a loving mother and homemaker.

Ralphena kept busy as a Sunday school teacher and 4-H leader as the kids were growing up. She was also involved in the Come Doubles, Happy Hour Club, Extension Club, Young Married, Red Hat Club, Tomorrow's Club, Country Guild and the 20th Century Study Club over the years. Ralphena enjoyed her club activities very much. In her spare time, she enjoyed golfing, knitting, reading and fishing.

Preceding Ralphena in death were her parents; husband, Raymond Carlson; grandson, John R. Carlson, Jr.; and sister, Betty Wilson.

Survivors include her five children, Rebecca Greer and husband Skip of Conway, AR, Barbara Caviness of Little Rock, AR, Linda Chapeau and husband Tom of Omaha, NE, Beverly Blount and husband David of Fort Smith, AR, and John Carlson and wife Peggy of Essex, IA; 16 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and one sister, Geraldine Waldron of Villisca, IA; other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, November 19, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. from the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home. Words of comfort were given by Rev. Mark Dolphens. Janey Dolphens was the vocalist. Special musical selections were "How Great Thou Are", "If You Could See Me Now", and "Amazing Grace". Gloria Mauer attended the Memory Register. Honorary Casket Bearers were Mike LaCroix, Bill Waldron, Jake Polsley, Jay Williams, Stuart Boyd, Jim Waldron, Vashounne Russell, Charles Pool, Joe Martin, and Jeff Prochazka. Casket Bearers were Nicholas Carlson, Spencer Carlson, Nick Kolcun, Kasey Carlson, Andrew Chapeau, and Eric Kolcun. Interment was in Essex Cemetery.

Memorials are being directed to the American Diabetes Association in Ralphena's name.