Carole Jean Hardwick

Carole Jean Hardwick, age 82, passed away on June 20, 2020.She was born in Lewistown on December 2, 1937, to Ruth and Irvin Flotlin. As a child, Carole lived in Lewistown, Harlowton, and Columbia Falls. Eventually, the family settled in Helena, Montana. She graduated from Helena High in 1955. In 1957, she married Leonard Vetsch. They had two girls, Karen and Lori.In 1968, the family moved to Great Falls. Through the 1970’s, Carole worked at the College of Great Falls in the print shop and later at Licini’s Print Shop. In 1979, Carole married Lt. Col. Russell Hardwick. They lived for several years in Conway, South Carolina. Upon her return to Great Falls, Carole began working for the Great Falls Public School District as a middle school secretary; first working at North Junior High and later moving to Paris Gibson Middle School. She retired in 2004 after 23 years. Carole was active in the Great Falls Chapter of the American Diabetes Association in the early 1970’s. She also bowled on several leagues at Little’s Lanes. In recent years, she bowled on a senior league at the BECC. After her retirement, Carole became an active member of the Great Falls Senior Center. Carole is survived by her daughter, Karen (Ted) Gray and grandpug, Gidget; son-in-law, Jeff Preble and grandkitty, Lissie; and cousins, Ed Holmes and Dick (Frankie) Holmes. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Lori (Vetsch) Preble; mother, Ruth Tyrrel; and aunt, Effie Holmes. At Carole’s request no services will be held. Donations in Carole’s name may be made to the Great Falls Animal Shelter c/o Guardian Angel Fund (P O Box 5021; Great Falls, MT 59403-5021).