Caroline Ann (Cunningham) Hedden

Caroline Ann Hedden, of Elizabeth, Indiana, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026. Caroline was born on July 20, 1941 in her grandparents’ house in Elizabeth, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Robert Hedden; her parents, Harold and Julia (Ashton) Cunningham; her brother, Jimmie Cunningham; brother-in-law, Jerry Hedden; and sister-in-law, Linda Morgan.

She is survived by her children, Julie (John) Keeton, Robert Craig (Theresa) Hedden, and Andrea (Scott) Baerenklau; her cherished grandchildren, John, Robert (Lydia), and Jacob (Bethany) Keeton; Wesley (Katie) Hedden, Katia (David) Harshfield, and Will Hedden; Derek and Caroline Baerenklau; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Oaklynn, and Emerie, with Bo Robert expected to join the family soon; Cainan, Ashton, and Isabella; Mason; Anthony, and Abigail. She is also survived by her sister, Sharon (Steve) Walk; her sister-in-laws, Dianne Cunningham, Judy Hedden, and Julie Hedden; brother-in-laws Lavon Hedden and Les Morgan; and many dearly loved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Caroline was part of the first graduating class of South Central High School, Class of 1959, then attended Spencerian College in Louisville, Kentucky. On September 18, 1959, Caroline married the love of her life, Robert Hedden. In early marriage and parenthood, they moved to Cincinnati where Caroline was a devoted homemaker, worked at Standard Publishing, and also enjoyed being the neighborhood Tupperware lady. After returning to Elizabeth she worked in the office at South Central High School, and later found a work family in the Procurement Services Department at Louisville Gas & Electric, where she remained until her retirement in 1998.

Caroline had the heart of a missionary, desiring that all people would come to know and follow Jesus Christ. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she faithfully supported missions around the world, including serving as a board member of Gary Case Evangelistic Ministries. She was also deeply committed to serving her own community through churches, various civic committees, the Elizabeth Lions Club, and by working tirelessly to help establish South Harrison Park in 1980.

Caroline and Robert's Sunday dinner table always had room for one more. Over the years, they welcomed countless pastors, missionaries, family members, friends, and neighbors into their home. Caroline expressed her love through hospitality, blessing those around her with delicious homemade pies, comforting pots of soup, and roasts.

Caroline was never one to stand on the sidelines when there was work to be done. Her warm smile, sense of humor, and words of wisdom will be deeply missed. Her faithful example of love for God, family, and friends will be felt through generations until we, through Christ, see her again.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany, Indiana. Visitation will continue on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Elizabeth, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Caroline's memory may be made to World Gospel Mission in support of Jonathan and Lisa Mayo (P.O. Box 948, Marion, IN 46952-0948).