Karlice Valencia

Karlice Valencia, 77, of Gillette, WY, finished her earthly race and was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on July 15, 2026. In accordance with her wishes, cremation will take place at Walker Crematory in Gillette. Private family services will be held at a later date to honor her memory and scatter ashes.

Karlice E. (Feldmann) Valencia was born in Beach, ND, on December 15, 1948, the youngest daughter of Leonhard Frederick Feldmann and Hedwig Marie (Hupke) Feldmann. Born prematurely, Karlice was a fighter from the very beginning. Despite her early arrival, she was strong enough to go home in time for Christmas to the family's small farm southeast of Beach. That same determination, along with her unwavering faith in God, carried her through the many joys and challenges she would encounter throughout her life.

There is a beautiful expression that perfectly captures the essence of Karlice: "He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands, his head, and his heart is an artist." Throughout her beautiful life, Karlice proved to be a master artist, blending her intellect and her deep capacity to love into every profession she touched. Her journey of lifelong learning began when she graduated from Beach High School in 1966, followed by June's Beauty College in Miles, MT, in August 1967. Her early career as a nanny took her on adventures across Nevada, California, and Hawaii before she returned to Dickinson, ND, graduating from the School of Practical Nursing at St. Joseph's Hospital in February 1970. Karlice dedicated 43 years to nursing, but her thirst for knowledge never ceased. She constantly expanded her ability to heal and help others, earning a Ph.D. in Holistic Health from ACON in December 1981. For fun she studied and graduated from the Locksmithing Institute in June 1992. Her passion, however, was massage therapy, and in September 1994, she graduated with her professional massage therapist license from Crystal Mountain School of Therapeutic Massage. Always seeking to understand the human soul, she later earned an AAS in psychology/social work through Stratford University in December 2009.

Beyond her healing arts, she was a gifted storyteller. Under the pen name Annette Kaye, she published her first book, Through Storms of Life, in July 2008. With the cherished help of Alex Bruski, she went on to publish The Way It Was: 2012, A Wish Come True, Challenges of Love, and Penelope. She leaves behind a legacy of several more written books and poetry shared privately with family and friends. Her hobbies included reading, Soduko, painting, jigsaw puzzles, and watching movies.

Karlice married Lawrence J. Bruski on May 7, 1970, in Belle Fourche, SD, and they started their home in Beach, ND. To this union came one child, DeAnna. They later divorced. On August 17, 1993, she married Andrew Valencia in NM. They later divorced.

Karlice is survived by: her daughter DeAnna (Trevor) Kay of Gillette, WY; her big sister Shannon Evans of Wilmington, NC, whose loving care, guidance, and protection were a cherished part of her childhood and whose sisterly bond remained a blessing throughout their lives; her friend and sweet sister-in-law Barbara Feldmann of Beach, ND; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends she treasured and loved. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Gerald Feldmann.

Faith was the cornerstone of Karlice's life. She was a servant of God who lived out her faith daily through her deep love for her family, friends and community. God gifted her with hands that healed, a head capable of solving difficult circumstances, and a heart that loved unconditionally. She will be forever missed for those of us left behind but there is no doubt that her pain is now gone, tears wiped away, and she is dancing and praising with her tambourine on the streets of gold in heaven.

Condolences or any words you would like to have spoken during the private memorial service may be sent to: deanna@trevoranddeanna.net. Condolences may also be sent via the funeral home's website at: www.gillettememorialchapel.com.