Carla was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma on May 20th, 1965. Raised not just by her parents, but by her family, she is survived by her parents Barbara Kight (Kevin) and Scott Bogert (Linda), and her siblings: Patrice Minyen, Tracy Lewis, Kasey Bogert, and Laurel Bogert (Deceased)

She was a graduate of Catoosa High School and then went to Rogers State in Claremore to receive an Associate's Degree.

She was married to her true love on June 18th of 1983, spending 43 years with John Tinkham.

The two of them had their only child together, Tahlia Tinkham in 1992, and Carla loved her family with her whole heart and soul, spending time with her grandparents Marilee and Frank Bogert before their passings, and living next door to her step-father TJ Lewis.

She often stayed in contact with John's first son, Shawn Tinkham, and his family, wife Jennifer, and kids Sam, Jack, and Sophie.

Working as an assitant in a pre-school program, she learned her love of teaching and helping the youth, much like her grandfather Frank Bogert. Deciding to go back to school and become a teacher, Carla received numerous degrees and awards, including her Bachelor's of Science in Education at NSU, and later a Masters in Education in Curriculum and Instruction.

Among her accomplishments, she was the winner of the Jenks Public Schools Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award in 2005 and she won She was a finalist in the 2024 Northeast Oklahoma Teacher of the Year.

Carla worked in Okmulgee Public Schools for 18 years, alongside tutoring, summer school, and even GED classes at OSUIT, to help everyone she could learn.

She was constantly working for grants and opportunities to give her students better opportunities and experiences than they may have been able to access on their own.

She enjoyed art, music, and books, often reading historical books while she took a relaxing bath. She often attended concerts and events performed by her family, friends, and loved ones. She was happy to get to see her favorite band U2 with her daughter Tahlia in 2018. She had been looking forward to watching Coyote Vs Acme and kept up with her favorite soap opera, General Hospital, for 30+ years.

Carla deeply loved and cared about her students as she did her family and friends. She was always ready to help someone in need, but also knew how to protect herself and her loved ones when needed.

There will be a memorial in her honor to celebrate her life at 2103 E 3rd St Ste 101, Tulsa, OK 74104 on November the 7th 2026 starting at 10:30am.