Carol Flake-VanErstvelde unexpectedly joined her heavenly family on February 13, 2018 in Mesa, AZ at the age of 54.
Born on May 22, 1963 in Mesa to parents Russel Flake and M. Gail Bonham, she lived in the state of Arizona all her life. She graduated from Westwood High School in 1981 and worked as an equine transportation and trainer for years. Carol had a deep and abiding love for animals and western dancing that never dimmed. She met her husband Charles VanErstvelde on the dance floor and was blessed with two children, Danielle Flake-Taylor and Cody VanErstvelde and two older step-children Dawn Black and April Young.
She loved spending time with family and she had a love for life and all things purple, AND clean socks! She was artistic and enjoyed art projects with her friends. She would sing and tell stories with a flair which was always entertaining. Carol had a flirtatious personality that came in handy later in life and in particular as a bus driver for Mesa Public Schools where she was known as ‘The Bus Terminator,’ she easily convinced students that she was the ‘coolest’ driver. She also had a tender heart and would do almost anything to help a friend in need including great hugs and good advice. Carol was a wonderful mother who loved her children above all.
She is preceded in death by her mother M. Gail Bonham. She is survived by her husband Charles, her children and step-children; Danielle (Steven) Flake-Taylor, Cody VanErstvelde, Dawn (John) Black, and April (Tyson) Young. She is also survived by her Father Russel (Karen) Flake and siblings, Cherryl Mabus, DeMar (Mary Lou) Flake, Margie (Scott) Luster, Bill Flake, and John Flake.
A memorial service is scheduled for 10:00 am on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 925 N. Harris Drive, Mesa, AZ 85203, followed by a gravesite service at City of Mesa Cemetery at 11:30 am. Please join family in celebrating the amazing life of Carol Flake-VanErstvelde. Attire: Sunday best or business casual would be sincerely appreciated.
I’m so very sorry for her family loss. She truly was a really was a beautiful person inside and out. I so very lucky to have her as my friend and a coworker at mesa public schools. Love you all!!! Rip my friend
I too am a school bus driver and wanted to offer condolences to the family. As time passes the pain will ease some. I have been comforted knowing that death will end and our loved ones will live again (1 Corinthians 15:26, Acts 24:15). When that time begins then we will live the way God intended for us (Psalm 37:29). May God comfort you all.
My deep condolences to the Flake/VanErstvelde family,
I was really touched by the loss of your loved one. When a precious loved one falls asleep in death, it brings to mind God’s precious son Jesus. It is comforting to note how he viewed death. I would like to share it with you from the gift that the Most High God has given to each & everyone of us. His written word the Bible in the Book of John chapter 11 verses 11-14.
Please, notice that Jesus viewed death as one Sleeping. He viewed death in such a comforting way. And, the Most High God promises that we can have the opportunity to see our loved ones again in perfect health (Psalms 83:18, Acts 24:15, & Isaiah 33:24). He even says where: Psalms 37:11 and for how long Psalms 37:29). I really hope that these promises were as comforting to you as they were to us when our daughter died and also when my precious husband of 50 years fell asleep in death.
Written to you in deep sympathy,
Sissy
I just loved Carol so much. She was so funny, so sweet, so caring, and just a great person to know. I was her visiting teacher along with ALICE WESTERN. And I really enjoyed any time that we went to visit her. She always made me smile even when I was in the worst lowest funk. I can’t believe that she is gone from us, but I have to believe that she learned all the lessons she needed to here on this earth, and has gone on ahead to Heavenly Father. My condolences to The Flake family and to her family , husband and children . I wish I could be there with you to celebrate her life, but I am unable to come right now. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.