Carol Renã Hedges

Carol Renã Hedges, 65, of Berthoud, Colorado, passed away on June 11, 2025. Born on June 27, 1959, in Billings, Montana, Carol was the daughter of John and Evelyn (Gasaway) Yonkaitis. She spent her childhood in Billings enjoying camping trips and riding motorcycles with her parents and three siblings. Carol had a vivacious spirit and loved socializing with friends from a young age.

A 1977 graduate of Laurel High School, Carol married her high school sweetheart, Rodney Hedges, on December 16, 1978. They built a beautiful life together, moving to Longmont, Colorado, from Rochester, Minnesota, in 1985.

Carol began volunteering in her daughter’s elementary school classrooms, which led to a fulfilling 27-year career with the St. Vrain Valley School District. She retired in 2014, deeply respected and loved by the students, staff, and parents she worked alongside.

Carol had many passions and hobbies that reflected her zest for life and deep appreciation for nature. She enjoyed hiking, gardening, paddleboarding, sewing, and amateur nature photography. In recent years, she began volunteering with the House of Neighborly Service in Berthoud and took great joy in raising chickens. Above all, Carol cherished time spent with her family - especially her grandchildren - who were the light of her life. She was loved by all who knew her.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 46 years, Rodney Hedges of Berthoud, CO; her daughters, Lindsey Hedges (Bob Immekus) of Aurora, CO, and Allison Mott of Firestone, CO; and her treasured grandchildren, McKenna and Riley Mott.

Carol is also survived by her mother, Evelyn Yonkaitis of Loveland, CO; siblings Mark Yonkaitis (Sheri) of Gold Bar, WA and Dorie Robertus (Gerald) of Williston, ND; sisters-in-law Shelley Emry (Ken) of Monument, CO; Lori Ray (Chris Nowell) of Watauga, TX; Lisa Shifley (Bryan Krone) of Laurel, MT and brother-in-law Dan Hedges (Kenya) of Centennial, CO; 15 nieces and nephews, and 20 great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, John Yonkaitis, and her brother Tony Yonkaitis. A Celebration of Carol’s Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 1st at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel followed by a Reception. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Park Foundation or the Arbor Day Foundation in Carol’s honor.