She was born in Springfield, on January 3, 1947, the daughter of Burl E. and Mabel (Cox) Richardson. She was a graduate of Lanphier High School, Class of 1965. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, and three brothers.
Caroline married William L. “Bill” Hodson in the First Christian Church, Springfield, February 10, 1968, and he survives.
Also surviving are her two children; Melissa “Missy” (husband Steven) Kulavic of St. Petersburg, FL and Bill (wife Angela Kamrath) Hodson Jr. of Springfield, her grandchildren: Stephanie (Jed) Dzimiera, Brittannie (Eric) Walsh, Kristina (Riley) Houlihan, Natalie (Trevor) Baima, Briar (fiancé Amanda Phillips) Hodson, Kinser (Madison) Hodson, Tristan (companion Cody Buckley) Hodson, Maura Hodson, Magena Hodson, Brock (Audrey) Kamrath and Nick (Katie) Kamrath, nine great grandchildren, her sister, Rachel Stewart of Wisconsin, and her brother, Gary (Judie) Ricketts of Champaign, IL.
Caroline served as an accountant for Federated Funeral Directors for many years, retiring in 2006. She was very active in her community. She was a past president of the Wanless Grade School PTA, a certified AJBC instructor for Youth Bowling, a co-coach with her husband Bill of various youth baseball teams, and, along with her husband Bill, ran the Springfield YMCA BMX Bicycle Race Track in Southern View. In addition to her community activities, she was also a devoted member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary at Post 32, served as a past president. She also served as president of the District 21, Department of the State of Illinois Auxiliary.
She was a devoted military wife, loving mother and friend to many. Her generosity of her time, talents and love will be missed by all who knew her.
Arrangements are in the care of Bisch and Son Funeral Home 505 E. Allen St. Springfield, where family and friends are invited to a time of visitation on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, beginning at 9:00 am until the time of a funeral service at 10:30 am. Pastor Calvin Miller will officiate. Burial will follow in Camp Butler National Cemetery.
Those who wish may direct memorial contributions in her memory to the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight 1523 S. Willemore Springfield, IL 62704
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com
Arrangements entrusted to Bisch and Son Funeral Home 217-544-5424
