Sarah Carson Knostman

After a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, Sarah Carson Knostman died on October 28, 2024 in Denver, Colorado, surrounded by her family. Sarah Elizabeth Carson, Sally to all who knew her, was born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 6,1943, to William Dana “Kit” and Barbara Powell Carson and grew up in Alexandria, Virginia where she attended school and was graduated from Francis C. Hammond High School in 1962. 

Sally received a Bachelor of Science in nursing from West Virginia University in 1966 and a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Washington in 1968. While in Seattle she met and married Dr. James Knostman and they moved to Cleveland, Ohio where Sally taught nursing at Case Western Reserve University. From there they lived in Fort Collins, Colorado and Boston, Massachusetts while Jim completed his medical training. 

In 1974, Jim and Sally moved to Billings, Montana where Jim practiced nephrology at the Billings Clinic for forty years and they enjoyed raising their two children, Derek and Suzy. During this time Sally began the “Personal Colors” business with two friends and worked for fifteen years with clients and later as a personal shopper at Hennessy’s. 

Sally was very involved in the community and co-chaired several events. With “The Horse of Course” and “Bighorn Magic” she raised money for the Billings Depot restoration. The Alberta Bair gala, the 1990 West High graduation party and the Billings Clinic Women’s Wellness Conference and Endowment also appreciated her efforts on their behalf. 

There were many travels with family and friends which included a living in London sabbatical, the 4 Amigas Cruises, children and grandchildren in Big Sky and Flathead and seeing the world with Jim. Later in life, she and Jim enjoyed playing duplicate bridge together and as members of the American Bridge League they earned their life master awards. Sally has always shared how grateful she was for her wonderful life in Billings with her husband, her family, and her friends. Sally is survived by Jim, her husband of 56 years; son William Derek (Jenny) grandchildren Holden and Violet; daughter Suzy Danielson (Jason) grandchildren Garrett and Leah; and brother William Scott Carson (Betsy) daughter Karen; son Brad (Nicole) children Quinn and Everly.

At Sally’s request there will be no services.