Denice Lynn Carter

In loving memory, we celebrate the extraordinary life of Denice Lynn Carter, who passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, just one day after her 64th birthday. Denice was born on January 5, 1962, in The Dalles, Oregon, to Nettie A. Murphy and Dennis L. Moulton. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, teacher, and friend whose life was a symphony of passion, dedication, and love. Denice’s life's journey was deeply intertwined with the gift of music. She attended Pendleton High School and furthered her education at Blue Mountain Community College and Mt. Hood College, where she played with the Mt. Hood Symphony and earned her music degree. Her love for music was not just a personal pursuit but a lifelong vocation. As the founder and director of the Colorado Old Time Fiddlers' Association and the Washington State Fiddle Championships, Denice played a pivotal role in nurturing a vibrant community of musicians. Over her 40-year career, she taught violin and fiddle to countless students in both public and private settings, leaving an indelible mark on all who learned from her. Denice’s teaching was characterized by her honest and supportive nature, as she inspired her students with a nurturing and passionate spirit. She encouraged smart practice while fostering joy, instilling a lasting love for music in her students. Her vibrant energy and adventurous spirit made learning with her a fun and enlightening experience. Denice’s personal life was a testament to her deep love for her family and community. She was married to her loving spouse, Robert Craig Carter, for 38 beautiful years. Together, they created a home filled with passion for life, music, love, and laughter, raising their children, Ricky Selman, Aarun Stevens (spouse Zachary Stevens), and Nash Carter, in an environment that treasured these values. Her siblings, Fawn Murphy (husband Dean Murphy), Serena Gilson (husband Lester Gilson), Zona Kryger, Patti Lang (husband Michael Lang), and Skip Murphy, along with her five nieces, six nephews, two great-nieces, and five great-nephews, remember her as a beacon of love and support. Though predeceased by her parents Nettie and Dennis, her stepfather Patrick "Skip" Murphy, and her son Corey Allen Moulton, Denice’s legacy lives on through her family and the countless lives she touched. Denice's passions extended beyond her family and music; she cherished her pets, the joy of teaching, building community, and the simple pleasure of heading to the ocean. Her life was a testament to honest living, acceptance, and the joy of embracing life's adventures. As we say goodbye to Denice, we honor her life and the incredible legacy she leaves behind. Her spirit will continue to resonate in the music she loved and the lives she enriched. May we all carry forward her legacy of love, passion, and dedication. A celebration of Denice’s life will be held at a later date, where family, friends, and students will gather to honor and remember the beautiful symphony of her life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to music education programs to continue Denice’s lifelong dedication to nurturing young musicians.