Carole L. Horton

Carole Lynn Horton (Yagodzinski) 81, died on November 9, 2015. She was born, March 6, 1934 in Minneapolis, MN to John (Jack) Yagodzinski and Genevieve Enright Yagodzinski. Carole's early years were spent in Manitowoc and Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Carole also lived in Omaha, Nebraska, before moving to Denver in 1951. She attended the Immaculate Conception, Cathedral High School for girls, graduating in 1952. She began her working career as a secretary at the Denver Federal Center. She quickly rose in the ranks to the title of Executive Secretary reporting to the Regional Civil Service Director. Through mutual friends, she was convinced to take a blind date with a former local University of Colorado Football star. The lucky guy was William John Horton, Sr. (The Hawk) and they were married in 1957. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Colorado Springs. Carole worked at the United States Air Force Academy and later served as the Executive Secretary for the Commanding, 2-Star General at Peterson AFB and NORAD. When the children were born, she became a full-time housewife and mother. Carole's devotion to her family and firm belief in God supported her as the Horton's proceeded to move with Bill's telephone company career 12 times in 14 years. For Carole, each move meant a new city, a new house, new schools, new sports teams for the kids, new churches and friends. She was the ""glue"" of the family and was loved by everyone she met. It was often said, ""Carole never met a stranger"". She was the proudest mother and grandmother anyone could know. The Horton kids were all accomplished athletes. She was a timer for the swim meets. She proudly wore countless blue ribbons won by her 3 kids at every swim meet. Carole was very active in Colorado Junior Golf and ran the junior program at Valley Country Club for nearly 10 years. Carole defined the term ""Soccer Mom"", 25 years ahead of its time. She was a tireless football & baseball mom for the boys in little league; organizing banquets, half-time oranges, and game day meals. She organized the high school football banquets as well as Kathy's cheerleading and madrigal post-performance events. She often said that her identity was as Bill's wife and the kids Mother. Later in life, she had the great pleasure to spent valuable and loving time with her 4 grandchildren. She often said that she never knew her grandparents as they'd passed very early in her life, but so treasured the love and joy these grandchildren brought to their grandma Carole. They will miss her dearly. Mrs. Horton was an exceptional cook. She loved to bake, especially at Christmas time. She made a virtual potpourri of confectionary treats. Her specialties were divinity, banana and cranberry breads, festive cookies and the best peanut & cashew brittle in Colorado! She could whip up a meal to please a king, or president….. And she was fanatical when it came to house cleaning. She simply loved her role as a homemaker. Mike fondly remembers the pre-game steak dinners she'd cook for he, and one of his many high school teammates. There was a long line of hungry boys fed in the Horton household. There are 100's of lives deeply touched by Carole as the kids grew up. Everyone came to the Horton's house and they were always welcomed with open arms by Carole. Carole entered life as a relatively poor and very shy little girl. She had a problem with stuttering. She worked tirelessly to overcome this challenge, but never let it define her. Carole's very active family-support life began to change as the children grew and entered their high school years. She had more time to herself, and this presented new issues. Like most of their contemporaries, the Horton's loved to party, dance, and socialize. They frequented countless sporting events from football games to golf tournaments and beyond. They travelled extensively for both family vacations and these sporting events to cheer on their teams. Somewhere along the line, Carole developed a problem with alcohol and this pattern became more apparent as time went on. In 1976, Carole sought treatment. She met an amazing group of men and women in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. Her life in recovery took off, in a very big way! One of the most treasured contributions from Carole Horton was her service to others and her unwavering commitment to her sobriety. In that, Carole has touched countless thousands of lives; the lives of both women and men; young and old; rich and poor. She became active in women's meetings and attended the International Women's AA Conference (IWAAC) for more than 30 years. Carole served as National Committee Chair for the Denver Conference in 1985. That little girl from Beaver Dam spoke to a room of some 2500 women and ""nailed it"". It was a highlight in her life!! She continued to serve the IWAAC for many years, always attending the annual conferences with her girlfriends, nationwide. Carole developed many close and lifelong personal relationships in AA. These experiences helped Carole gain the significant self-confidence that allowed her to help so many that suffer from the disease of alcoholic addiction. She was an amazing woman. On Sept 26, 2015 Carole celebrated 39 years of continuous sobriety. She returned to visit her weekly Sunday Crossroads Group, in Aurora to celebrate her recovery milestone. At the meeting, she heard countless, loving testimonials from those who she helped over many years. She left feeling a bit embarrassed over the fuss made of her achievement. That was Carole, humble and selfless. During her journey in recovery, Carole was introduced to the Mrs. Betty Ford. Carole and Betty became close, personal friends. Carole was known as one of the infamous ""Denver Dolls"" in Betty's book. Of all the great women Carole met, no one helped Carole more so than her sponsor and mentor, the late Mary Roush. Carole & Mary attended both Jerry & Betty Ford's funeral services. Carole said ""My gosh! A little polish girl from Beaver Dam, was invited to attend the funeral services of the President of the United States. I am so blessed."" Carole made peanut brittle at Christmas for President Gerald R. Ford for more than 20 years. After the first few years, President Ford's personal secretary would call to make sure that the peanut brittle was on its way. It was that good! Carole also loved the family home in the mountains. Bill's ancestors were early settlers in Lake City, Colorado; a small, but beautiful town in the San Juan Range of southern Colorado. Although she was not an avid fisherman or hiker, Carole loved the area and was instrumental into converting a rustic mountain cabin into a warm home of great pride and joy. She was particularly fond of the annual Fourth of July celebrations; from the annual old-timers picnic, the Lake City summer concert, to the early morning parade, the races and field events. The Horton's and Loury's hosted their afternoon picnic in the front yard for many years, concluding with the street dance in the evening and culminating with the big 4th of July fireworks celebration in the Town Park. ""There's a little Lake City in all who have shared this Mountain Mecca"". So it's only fitting that Carole be interred in the local cemetery. Like her daughter Kathy, Carole was an avid, well almost nutty Denver Bronco fan, as well as a life-long University of Colorado Buffalo supporter. On game day, she would proudly adorn her Bronco & Buff memorabilia in the classy manner that was quintessentially Carole. And boy, she could talk football with anyone. Carole is survived by her husband, Bill Sr. of Lakewood; her sons Bill Jr. of Denver and Michael of Lakewood; her 4 grandchildren; Jenna and Jocelyn Horton of Denver, Alexandra Leonard of Philadelphia, and Matthew Almquist, USMC of Phoenix. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Kathleen Ann Horton-Hudson. Carole had a big brother, Thomas Yagley and big sister, Lois Van Fleet both deceased. She always spoke lovingly about her siblings and is now reunited them above. Her many nieces and nephews were an additional joy in her life. They will miss her wit, her charm and her love. Carole will be remembered on Wednesday 11/18/15 during the Recitation of the Rosary at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, located 3101 S Wadsworth Blvd, (303) 986-9615. Visitation for friends and family will be held at 6 PM in the Horan & McConaty Chapel, with the Recitation of the Rosary to begin at 7:00 PM. The Viewing and Funeral Service for Carole will be held on 11/19/2015, at the Notre Dame Catholic Church 2190 S Sheridan Blvd, Denver, CO 80219. (303) 935-3900. The viewing will be held 9:30 - 10:15 AM, in the Notre Dame Catholic Church Vestibule. The funeral service will begin at 10:30 AM in the Chapel with a reception to immediate follow back at Horan & McConaty Reception Hall, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80227. Carole will be laid to rest at the IOOF Cemetery in Lake City, CO on Saturday, 11/21/2015. The graveside service will commence at noon, surrounded by the beautiful San Juan Mountains. Flowers and condolences may be offered at Notre Dame Catholic Church or Donations in memory of Carole Horton to: Arapahoe House (Attn. Development) 8801 Lipan St. Thornton, CO 80260 or online https://www.arapahoehouse.org/donate-now. Please share your memories of Carole and offer condolences to the family by signing the guestbook below.