CARLA JEAN SKIBA

Carla Jean Skiba, 77, of Alpena, passed away unexpectedly at her home on July 31, 2023. Carla was a kind-hearted and loving wife, caring mother, and amazing grandmother, sister, and friend who will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Carla was born in Alpena on May 8, 1946, to the late William and Doris (Somers) Clark. Her early years were split between Lincoln, Michigan and Traverse City, before her family moved to Alpena when she began High School. She married the love of her life, Tony F. Skiba on Nov. 26, 1966, beginning a journey that would lead to four children, eight grandchildren, and a lifetime of happy memories.

Carla worked as a typist in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, supporting her growing family as Tony completed Dental School. Upon their return to Alpena, Carla was a homemaker, raising four children, and supporting them through years of school, sports, and friendships. In addition, she possessed an unmatched eye for style and design, which she put to use in operating several small businesses around Alpena.

Carla enjoyed golf, bowling, and sewing, and through these pastimes, she forged countless friendships. Even more, Carla loved to spend time with her family; her generosity towards them never waivered. Her house was the family meeting spot, and her front door was always open to family and friends that wanted to drop in.

Carla is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, her children: Lisa (Dr. David) Beatty, Todd (Maggie), Tony (Andrea), and Lindsey (Brian) Natzel, eight grandchildren: Tate (Kaitlin) Skiba, Anna Skiba, Georgia Skiba, Andrew, Samuel, and Joshua Beatty, and Christopher (Paige Sumerix) and Jackson Natzel, and her sister and lifelong best friend, Connie (Harvey) Marlatt. Carla was preceded in death by her parents, William and Doris Clark, and her youngest brother, Billy.

A celebration of Carla’s life will take place at Bannan Funeral Home on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, from 2-8 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at St. Anne Church of All Saints Parish on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Tyler Bischoff officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in Carla’s name to Friend’s Together or the Dr. Tony and Carla Skiba Scholarship at Alpena Community College.