Carolyn Gaughen, 69, of Billings, MT passed away peacefully on January 19, 2023, surrounded by her daughters Lisa and Kelly, and her husband Bob. Carolyn gracefully battled early-onset Alzheimer's Disease since the age of 62. Carolyn grew up in Pomona, CA with her loving parents Don and Jaunese Mead and her two older brothers David and Danny Mead. She was blessed to grow up near the ocean because she loved frequenting the beaches of Southern California. She loved the ocean and would always dive right in. Carolyn went to Ganesha High School in Pomona CA where she made many dear lifelong friends. She attended college at La Verne where she got her degree in teaching and made a very dear and close friend Suzie Bowles, who eventually moved with her to Montana. In Montana, Carolyn worked at the Bridger Bowl Mountain Ski Resort. Bridger Bowl is where she met her husband Bob and they eventually married in June 1979 there on the mountain. Carolyn dove right into outdoor activities that the beautiful state of Montana provides. She loved floating the rivers, camping, and skiing the mountains. Bob and Carolyn had two daughters, Kelly and Lisa. Carolyn was a devoted and loving mother throughout her entire life.  She worked for the Bozeman School District for many years as a substitute teacher in the elementary schools and eventually at the Bozeman High School. Everyone knew and adored Carolyn in the schools, and students often requested her because of her kind, calm, and nurturing nature. She was an incredibly loving grandmother to Maggie and Mason Elsberry. They have always called her “GG” and completely adored her. She loved on those babies so much and they brought her so much joy. 

Carolyn was taken by a vicious disease far too soon, however, we find comfort in knowing that she is no longer having to battle Alzheimer's. She is now at peace with her loved ones for eternity. Her husband Bob was a dedicated and devoted caregiver to her while she battled this disease. Since August 2022, Carolyn resided at Highgate Memory Care where she received exceptional love and care from all of the staff and caregivers there. Her loved ones are forever grateful. She also received the most beautiful and loving care from Stillwater Hospice. The family cannot thank these individuals enough. She will be dearly missed and always remembered.

Carolyn was predeceased by her father Donald Mead and her brother David Mead. She is survived by her husband Bob Gaughen, her daughters Kelly Gaughen and Lisa Elsberry, her grandchildren Maggie and Mason Elsberry, her devoted mother Jaunese Mead, and brother Danny Mead. Carolyn requested a celebration of life be held in her honor as opposed to traditional funeral services. We request all of Carolyn’s loved ones to join us in celebrating her beautiful life at DanWalt Gardens in Billings Montana, 720 Washington Street, on Saturday February 11 anytime from noon to 3pm to eat, drink, and reminisce with one another. 

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