Carole Nilson Hodges

Carole N. Hodges passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 21, 2026 -- Father's Day and the Summer Solstice, the longest day of light. She was surrounded by her family.

Carole was born on September 26, 1935, in Smithfield, Utah, the youngest of five children. She loved growing up on a farm and cherished her time with her favorite horse named Lady. She attended Cache Valley schools and was active in sports and theater, often landing leading roles. She enjoyed playing the piano for the family. After high school, she enrolled at Utah State University in Logan. She took a year off to travel and work in the Pacific Northwest before returning to continue her education. During that time, she met her eternal companion, Ron, and they were sealed in the Logan Temple on May 5, 1955. Their sons, Jeffrey and Scott, were born in Logan. Six years later, their daughter Janet arrived, and Carole was over the moon.

Carole and Ron settled in Pocatello, Idaho, where they raised their family among lifelong friends. They spent countless days water skiing and snow skiing across the lakes and mountains of Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. Those friendships continue today through their children and into the next generation.

Carole was a devoted mother with an exceptional work ethic. She found joy in every job she held. She finished her career at Shriner's Hospital in Salt Lake City, organizing clinics for children from across the United States and Mexico. Utah Shriner's provided orthopedic and burn care services. Many colleagues remarked after her retirement that it took two people to fill her role. Everyone who worked with her loved her.

Carole and Ron loved serving in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and spent many years together working in the Jordan River Temple. They also found joy in serving individuals outside their faith and were friends to all. They led by example, and anyone who knew them loved them.

After Ron's passing, Carole lived with Scott and Mi Yon, who lovingly cared for her for many years. She then moved to Legacy Village Memory Care, where the staff adored her. They often commented on Carole's kind and complimentary spirit, and many shared that she was their favorite. She was ours as well. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Legacy Village and Canyon Hospice for their loving care.

Carole is preceded in death by her husband, Ronald D. Hodges (2010); her parents, Amos C. Nilson and Violet Stirland Nilson; her brothers, Claude and Major; and her sisters, Wanda and Marjorie. She is survived by her children: Jeffrey D. Hodges; Scott Ronald Hodges (Mi Yon); and Janet Hodges Hessler (Jeffrey); her brother-in-law, Ted Hodges (Mary Jo); and her sister-in-law, Lona Low. Carole and Ron treasured time with their grandchildren: Jennie Elizabeth Dunaway, Heidi Jo Toulan (Haithem), Christopher Scott Hodges, Meagan Payne (Josh), and Annie Eliza Hessler. They are also blessed with seven great-grandchildren-Gwyneth, Sebastian, Safeya, Idris, Magnolia, Clementine, and Archie -- and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a public viewing on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 9:30 - 10:30 AM at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah.  A graveside service will then take place at 1:00 PM at Smithfield City Cemetery located at 300 East Center Street, Smithfield, Utah.