Cari Denise Raish

Cari Denise Raish, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2024 at the age of 63 in her home in Montrose, Colorado. Born on May 18, 1961, in Sacramento, California, Cari dedicated her life to her family and the art of making every moment special.

Cari married the love of her life, Scott Raish, in 1988 and they recently celebrated their 36th anniversary. Cari was a homemaker who paused her career to pour her heart into raising her family. Her children, Marissa Gaffney (Joe Gaffney) and Spencer Raish (Kayla Wilczek Raish), were her greatest joys, and she found new light in her precious granddaughter, Charlotte June Gaffney.

Cari had a passion for creativity, expressed through her beautiful quilting, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. Each stitch was made with love, and her creations will forever be treasured by those lucky enough to receive them. She had a passion for discovering new hobbies and interests, most recently perfecting baking with homemade sourdough. Beyond her crafts, Cari was an adventurer at heart. Cari lived in various parts of Colorado for much of the past 30 years, including the last two years in Montrose. In her early years, she lived in South Africa and Spain, later living in the United Kingdom, and many regions of the US across many states. She traveled extensively, exploring much of the world and embracing the beauty of each destination with her curiosity, wonder, and humor.

Though she faced health challenges throughout her life, Cari confronted them with remarkable strength and resilience. She taught those around her the meaning of courage and grace in the face of adversity. Now, she is finally free from pain, resting in peace and comfort.

Cari was preceded in death by her mother, Ila Peterson of Lancaster, CA; stepfather Lorin Peterson of Kerrville, TX; mother-in-law and father-in-law, June Raish and Carl Raish, Jr of Montrose, CO. 

She is survived by her husband, Scott Raish of Montrose, CO; daughter, Marissa (Joe) Gaffney and granddaughter, Charlotte June Gaffney of Olathe, CO; son Spencer (Kayla) Raish of Parker, CO; father, Duane Patten of Tucson, AZ; brothers, Clifton Patten of Mesa, AZ and Clayton Patten of Lancaster, CA; three nieces and two nephews.

Cari will be deeply missed by her husband, Scott Raish, her children, her extended family, and the countless lives she touched. Her legacy of love, laughter, and creativity lives on in all who knew her.

In lieu of services at this time, the family asks that you honor Cari’s memory by cherishing your loved ones, finding joy in the little things, and perhaps stitching a bit of love into your own lives. In lieu of flowers or any gifts, please donate to a charity of your choice in her memory.