Carolyn Heafner
January 30, 1932 - August 24, 2024
Obituary
Carolyn Katherine (Frank) Heafner was born January 30th, 1932, at her family home in Taylor, ND to Joseph and Bertha (Kuhn) Frank. She passed into the arms of Jesus on August 24th, 2024, moments after her daughter Pam had prayed the Rosary with her. During her last days, mom received the sacraments of the Holy Eucharist and the Anointing of the Sick.
Mom spent her early years on the farm in ND before her family relocated to Billings in 1945. She attended Central High School and worshiped her Catholic faith at Little Flower Church where she was confirmed. Later worshiping at Holy Rosary and St. Patrick Co-Cathedral.
As a young woman, she moved to Texas where she would meet our dad Kenneth Heafner who was serving his country in the Airforce. They were married in Bangor, Maine in 1955. Dad was discharged from the Air Force and began his career which would take them all over the South. During these years they were blessed with four children.
In 1967, they moved to Montana. Dad established himself as an electrician with a thriving business. Mom was a homemaker for many years providing us with a loving home. In 1972, Mom was expecting again only to have our sister stillborn. In 1975, our dad died in a car accident leaving mom a widow. During these difficult years, her faith sustained her, and her independence grew.
She began her working career at The Metra, as assistant manager of concessions, followed by years of retail, and finally working at HRDC until her retirement.
Mom loved planting flowers every summer, she loved to bask in the sun and always had a beautiful tan. She was a wonderful cook and baker. Her dad was quite the musician; even playing with Lawerence Welk. This led Mom to acquire a love of music and dancing. She was thrilled that all her of grandsons played instruments. She wasn't opposed to any music genre even heavy metal! Her grandson Karter was blessed to have his grandma as his “#1 fan”, at many of his shows.
She adored babies and animals. Her heart was overwhelmed for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, loving them, worrying about them, and praying for them daily. Mom was a strong Catholic, she loved her faith and was proud that she could send all four of her children to Catholic Schools.
Mom was a beautiful lady; her hair and makeup always done. She dressed her best for every occasion. Family gatherings were her favorite. She was truly the center of our family, she was loved and appreciated, and we will miss her dearly.
Proceeding her in death are her parents, her husband Kenneth Heafner Sr., her daughter Stacy Ann, brothers Vivian, Frank, and Edward, and son-in-law Larry Estill.
Surviving her are her four children: Ken (Teri) Heafner, Pamela (Floyd) Halligan, Larry (Bonnie) Heafner, and Brenda Estill. Grandchildren; Allicia and Payton Heafner, Blake (Crissa) Halligan, Riley Halligan, Joshua, Braden, Tanner (Madison) Heafner, Kade, Karter (Savannah), Kolter Estill, and ten great-grandchildren.
Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, Sept 6, at 12:00 at St. Patrick Co-Cathedral. Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery to follow.