Carol Ready

Carol Wakeman Ready, 79, of Billings, Montana, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2026, in her dream home, which she had meticulously designed over the last 40 years. She was born July 10, 1947, in Pasadena, California, to Tom and Virginia Wakeman.

Carol loved her family unconditionally and gave herself wholeheartedly to caring for others. She was a social, sophisticated woman who treasured her friends and maintained friendships that spanned decades. Through her kindness and the care she gave those relationships, she showed her family the value of friendship. Her favorite poem, “Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann, reflected the values she lived by and shared with her family. She drew on its words when offering advice and took its closing encouragement, “Strive to be happy,” to heart.

Carol earned her degree in interior design in 1970 and worked in San Francisco’s furniture district. She could reupholster a piece of furniture or oversee an extensive home remodel, serving as the general contractor and working alongside her family. Her many renovation projects earned her the affectionate nickname “Carlos,” and she was also known as “Nono” and “Rabbit.” Whether planning a garden or designing a room, she thought through every detail.

Carol’s love story with Bruce began with a phone call about a leather sofa payment. When Bruce came into her office to pay, he was captivated by her beautiful smile and her blue silk blouse and pearls. He began looking forward to his monthly visits and eventually found the courage to ask her to lunch. They married in the Laurel United Methodist Church on April 16, 1983, a day Bruce called the best of his life.

Carol’s relationship with God was at the heart of her life and their marriage. She and Bruce shared devotions every night, turning to the Lord together through the joys and difficulties of their lives. Bruce believed God had brought them to one another. For 43 years, they built a life in which their family could see how deeply they loved each other, often holding hands or sitting close together.

After Carol’s dementia diagnosis, she and Bruce set out to visit the national parks on their bucket list, continuing to explore the country together. As her needs changed, Bruce cared for her with tenderness and remained her constant companion. He continued taking her with him and holding her hand. Their enduring affection gave their family a beautiful example of love and commitment.

Carol was larger than life and brought magic to the memories she made with her family. She threw huge, themed birthday parties for her children and made holidays magical, giving as much thought to the wrapping on a present as to the celebration itself. She planned a monthlong family road trip around the country with AAA guidebooks, creating stories her children still tell. Wes fondly remembered an evening in San Francisco when Carol took him and Spencer to a German restaurant, making time to enjoy the company of her two boys.

Her children, Wes, Sessa, Spencer, and Alivia, knew her love was unconditional and that nothing they could do would make her stop loving them. Her family could always count on her to show up. Sometimes she was the only person in the stands, cheering her children on. She also found ways to stay connected through everyday gestures, mailing newspaper clippings that Jaren and Alivia affectionately called “mailbox food.”

Her care extended to animals, too. When Bentley the cat broke his leg and would not eat while recovering at the vet, Carol visited every day to pet him so he would eat. Bentley came home expecting the same attention at mealtimes, and Carol continued the routine.

With her bright red glasses frames and carefully chosen outfits, Carol had a style all her own. Even through dementia, she continued to greet those around her with a big smile and a long, warm hug. Her family felt that she still knew them in ways she could not always express in words. In her final days, she still squeezed Sessa’s hand in the special way she always had.

Carol is survived by her husband, Bruce; her children, Wes Johnson and his partner, Michelle Johnson; Vanessa “Sessa” Schultz and her husband, Caleb; Spencer Ready; and Alivia Williams and her husband, Jaren. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Roscoe, Maude, and Matilda “Matilly”; and her brother, Tim Wakeman, and his wife, Rosemary.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Laurel United Methodist Church, 307 West 4th Street, Laurel, Montana 59044. Tea will follow. Family and friends are invited to wear black and red, Carol’s favorite colors.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carol’s memory may be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 1984, Billings, MT 59103, or a charity of your choice.

A livestream of the service can be viewed here: https://boxcast.tv/view/carol-ready-memorial-service-akrygbsldvxqxfvibmeu