Carol Jean Rodriguez

Carol Jean Rodriguez, 70, passed away on October 25, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Aurora University Hospital. She passed from complications related to declining health after a long and courageous battle with dementia and memory loss.

Carol was born and raised in Rosebud, South Dakota. After losing her parents at the age of three, she spent her early years in foster care before being lovingly adopted by Leona and Jim Hawk. At sixteen, Carol left the reservation and moved to Rapid City, South Dakota, where she built a life. She was the mother of five children—two daughters and three sons.

In 2014, Carol was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Despite her illness, she fought bravely, determined to be there for her daughter and her grandchild, who was born in 2020.

Carol was tough as steel—resilient, independent, and full of character. She embraced life doing what she loved most: being creative and crafty. She spent countless joyful hours painting with her daughter and grandson. Carol had a deep love for music, movies, good food, and her morning coffee—or a Coke and cookies when she felt like treating herself. She enjoyed traveling, watching eagles and hawks, and admiring every wild creature she came across. She also had a fond belief in Bigfoot, to which her daughter Sarah would always joke, “It’s just a big ol’ lazy man who doesn’t want to shave!”

Carol is survived by her four children: Sarah D. Vega, Theodore Moran, John Ortiz, and Michael Moran. She joins in eternal rest her daughter, Petra Guadalupe Rodriguez, as well as her parents, Dorothy McClaine and Calvin Whitehawk.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Aurora University Hospital for their compassionate care and for keeping Carol comfortable in her final days.

Carol will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her strength, humor, and love will forever remain in our hearts.