Carol A. Bruce

Carol Ann was born on October 10, 1950 to Murrell Pannett and Efra Alhstrand Pannett in Selma, CA but made their home in Kingsburg, CA. Some two years later her parents welcomed a sister for Carol, Linda Sue Pannett. The family lived for many years west of Kingsburg on Del Rey Avenue just down the street from her Grandmother, Hannah Alhstrand. Her other Grandmother, Lillian Pannett lived in the Bay Area so there were many visits to her and also long visits as well in Kingsburg. Life on the farm to Carol was work, work, work. This is where she learned and created her hard work ethic. From weeding to watering, driving tractor, planting trees and learning that being a farmer is hard work for little money. During her spare time she attended the local schools, excelling in her education. In high school she joined the swim team where she made life long friends and earned her block K. She graduated in 1968 from Kingsburg High School. Upon graduating like most of her youth. Went to work for Del Monte Cannery. A great place to work for the summers and also attend college. Her first college was Reedley Jr. College. This is where she got to know her future husband, Darwin Bruce who was a year ahead of her. Upon graduating she was going to attend Fresno State until she found out Darwin had been accepted to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. She wasn't going to let him stray too far alone so she also attended Cal Poly along with her sister Linda. Upon Graduating from Cal Poly her and Darwin were married on June 17, 1972 in The Covenant Church in Kingsburg. They returned to college where Carol finished her teaching credential. They then returned to Kingsburg to live while Carol was looking for a teaching position, Darwin worked as a florist. Carol was hired by Fresno Unified School District. Carol's teaching career span 30 years of which most were spent at Tehipite Middle School. While at Tehipite she was part of a team of teachers that along with low income students formed Enrichment Travelers Club. Money earned went to taking students to places they had never gone to. Some were the Pacific Coast, National Parks and Historic sites. In 1974 Carol was encouraged to apply for a "man's job" at Del Monte Plant No. 25 thus becoming Del Monte's first ever female fork lift driver and in two years their first ever Foreman in the Receiving Department. Carol retired from teaching after 30 years in 2011. Carol played a major role in the upbringing of her two sons, David and Steven. Always there cooking and helping with homework and encouraging them to do better and be better. Her other family started out when a teacher friend of hers asked Carol and Darwin to be Grandparents to the family they were starting. Of course she said yes. It has been a pleasure to have Bailee and Brock Kitchen as Grandchildren and their parents Cheryl and Joe Kitchen. Carol leaves behind her loving and devoted husband of 50 years, Darwin, sons David and Steven Bruce all of Sanger. Grandchildren Bailee and Brock and their parents Cheryl and Joe Kitchen of Clovis. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 11:00am at Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel, located at 1588 Lincoln Street, Kingsburg, CA Donations may be made in her name to an organization of your choice. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Carol A. Bruce

October 10, 1950 - January 4, 2023