Carol Ann Heald

Carol Ann Heald, 87, died after complications from a long-fought struggle with dementia. Carol was born on Aug. 17, 1929, to Elmer M. and Ferne M. Wheelock in Big Spring, Texas. Carol graduated from Centennial High School in Pueblo, Colorado, in 1945. In the fall, Carol attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where she met Tom Heald. They were married on Feb. 12, 1949, in Big Spring. For 56 years, Tom and Carol enjoyed their full lives in Billings with their children, Tom, Jr., Nancy, Susan, Stephen, and many wonderful friends.

Due the many volunteer organizations with which Carol was associated, she found a great sense of purpose in service to others. The United Church of Christ played a significant role in her adult life: serving on a variety of boards, lending a hand in whatever way she could. Carol had been a member of First Congregational Church for 50 years. Most recently, Carol belonged to Mayflower Congregational Church. One of her most satisfying civic accomplishments came when she was elected to the Billings Study Commission. From those elected, Carol was named chair. The commission's hard work resulted in our current City Manager/City Council form of government. Further, Carol also worked as a Billings Deaconess Clinic volunteer, culminating in both Carol and Tom being awarded the honor of Billings Clinic "Volunteers of the Year" in 2005. In addition, Carol immensely enjoyed her 65-year association with her PEO sisterhood, especially those in Chapter S. Carol also assisted in a variety of leadership positions in both the Billings Junior Service League and United Way.

Countless days of happiness occurred at the family summer home at Hebgen Lake. A great source of joy for both family and a bounteous supply of friends. Her last trip there was about six weeks prior to her death.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Tom; her son, Stephen and her daughter, Susan; and her sister, Gloria. Her survivors include her brother, Alan Conley (Corrine); son Skip (Karen); daughter Nancy; son-in-law John Fitzgerald; grandchildren, Elizabeth Lay, Jay Fitzgerald (Nichole) and Elise O'Connor (Michael); great-grandchildren, Charles John Fitzgerald and Ella Sue O'Connor.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, at Mayflower Congregational Church, 2940 Poly Drive.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Montana Human Rights Network (P.O. Box 1509, Helena, MT 59624), Mayflower Congregational Church, or the charity of your choice.