Cara Nicole Goedeker-Watts

Cara Nicole Goedeker-Watts – February 24, 1989 – March 27, 2026

Cara Nicole Goedeker-Watts, known lovingly as "Care Bear," "Carita," and "GOAT" to those closest to her, passed away on March 27, 2026, in Killeen, Texas, after several courageous years of illness. She was 37 years old. Born on February 24, 1989, in San Diego, California, Cara was a light to everyone who knew her, a beautiful, exciting, generous, brilliant, caring young woman of immense talent and treasure. Cara grew up in the San Diego area, where she discovered a passion for ballet at a young age, dancing in recitals and competitions until she was fifteen. She graduated from Ramona High School in 2007 and went on to earn her degree in finance from San Diego State University in 2013. During her college years, she had the remarkable opportunity to participate in a student exchange program at Oxford University in London for six months, an experience that deepened her already adventurous spirit. In 2014, Cara completed her Series 7 certification and built a career in finance, including her work at Booz Allen Hamilton. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Cara was a woman of many passions. She was an avid traveler who visited exciting and exotic locations all over the world. She had a wonderful artistic side, finding joy in painting, creating stunning flower arrangements, working with plants, and crafting edible arrangements. She loved cooking, cherished time with her pets, and most of all treasured moments spent with her friends and family. Cara is survived by her mother, Cynthia Ledesma; her stepfather, Robie Ledesma; her father, Michael Goedeker; and her brother, Bryon Goedeker. She was preceded in death by her brother, Kevin Goedeker. Cara's faith in God grew and developed over her lifetime and it carried her through, especially during these past few years. She loved the words of Luke 1:1-10, TLV, Praying Along the Way 1 Now Yeshua was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Master, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2 Then Yeshua said to them, “When you pray, say, ‘Father, sanctified be Your Name, Your kingdom come.[a] 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.” 5 Then Yeshua said to them, “Which of you has a friend and will go to him in the middle of the night and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6 because a friend of mine has come to me on his journey and I have nothing to set before him.’ 7 Then from within he may answer, saying, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up to give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even if the friend will not get up and give him anything out of friendship, yet because of the man’s persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs. 9 “So I say to you, ‘Ask, and it shall be given to you. Seek, and you shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.’" We take comfort knowing that Cara sought the Lord with her whole heart and was walking closely with Jesus in the days preceding her passing. She now rests in His eternal presence. A Celebration of Life Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, May 16th, at 2:00 pm at Dos Picos County Park, 17953 Dos Picos Park Road, Ramona, California 92065, in Area 3. All who loved Cara are welcome to come, share memories, and celebrate the extraordinary life she lived.