Yakima, WA - Carole June Hefflinger (Wickman), 90, of Yakima WA, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus, on March 22, 2025. She died of natural causes after being lovingly cared for at Good Samaritan Health Care Center of Yakima for several years.

Carole was born at home on February 20, 1935 to parents Violet and Herb Wickman in Omaha, Nebraska. Growing up, she attended Benson High School in Omaha where she excelled academically, participated in student government, journalism, tennis team and was class valedictorian. She earned a scholarship to Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, where her favorite classes were Art History and Geology. Next, she attended University of Nebraska at Omaha and received a B.S. Degree in Elementary Education. She was a member of Chi Omega sorority and wrote a fashion column for the college newspaper.

On December 23, 1956, she married her high school sweetheart, LeRoy Hefflinger. While LeRoy served in the Air Force, she taught in Boulder CO, Harrah WA, and at Brady Air Force Base in Japan. After the Air Force years, they settled in Yakima WA where she taught Head Start, Kindergarten and Grade One at Adams, McClure and Gilbert Elementary schools. She served on many Yakima School District curriculum committees, chaired the United Way campaign drive, and published several teaching articles in professional journals.

She and LeRoy became the proud parents of four sons: Dean, Andrew, Roger and Dale. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, Parent Teachers Association (PTA) President, and Sunday School Director at St. Michael's Episcopal Church. Carole enjoyed cross-country skiing, golf, gardening and jogging. She was the editor of the Hard Core Runners newsletter. She got several blue ribbons for food entries at the Central Washington State Fair - including one for "Hawaiian Raspberry Jelly," which she created after running out of juice and substituting red Hawaiian Punch.

She and LeRoy enjoyed traveling and participated in many ocean cruises and land tours. Carole also went to Australia one summer as part of a teacher's exchange program. In Yakima she was a member of Sorosis Jr. Women's Club and coordinated fundraising events for Yakima's Teen House.

Keeping up with four growing boys was an extreme pleasure and challenge. She had dinner on the table at 6:00 pm every night! She was an avid reader and writer of countless "Family Letters" and her memoirs. She enjoyed volunteering at St. Timothy's Plaid Door thrift and consignment shop, serving as the manager for several years "B.C." (Before Computers).

Carole is survived by her sons Dean, of Everett WA, Andrew of Williamsport PA, Roger (Char) of Meridian ID, and Dale of St. Petersburg FL. Also 12 grandchildren and soon-to-be 15 great-grandchildren. She is proceeded in death by her parents, her brother Hollis, and her husband of 65 years, LeRoy.

Arrangements by Neptune Society. A memorial service will be held at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Yakima, WA on June 20th at 10:00 am. Friends and family welcome.