Obituary of Carol Bruce

    Carol Ruth Irby was born at home June 12^th, 1939, to John and Vera Irby.  She was born and lived her entire life in Payette, ID.  Carol was born during the depression. Her grandmother acted as midwife and helped bring her into the world. She grew up in Payette and graduated from Payette Highschool in 1957. She always loved band and played the clarinet. She loved horses and often rode in rodeos, parades, and she even rode the Nez Perce trail on one of her favorite horses which of course was an appaloosa. She loved being in the mountains, hunting, and living the country western lifestyle.

    While at a rodeo in Halfway, Or.  a young man by the name of Claude Bruce noticed her riding in the rodeo. He said to one of his buddies, “I’m going to marry that woman.”

On December 28^th, 1957, amidst a blizzard they were married at the Assembly of God Church in Payette. The ceremony took place at 8:00 pm in the evening and to their surprise over 250 people turned out.   The following years brought 3 children into Carol and Claude’s life.  In 1966 they bought property just north of Payette. It was a small farm & ranch and was later called The Gem Appaloosa Ranch.        Throughout the years Claude and Carol developed the property into a beautiful ranch and farming homestead. Carol, besides being a devoted wife and mother, worked at Idaho First National for 25 years. She loved to help people. Not only at her job, but in life.

    You could always get an honest conversation and a warm meal in Carols home. Carol ran the Payette Chamber of Commerce for 7 years after retiring from the bank.  She was an active member of the Lionesses Club.  Supporting such projects as backpack programs for grade school kids. Eye testing for primary age kids. She loved volunteering and giving back to her community that she loved dearly.

    Carol loved her family more than anything. Her greatest gifts were being a mother, grandmother, and especially being a great grandmother. Both she and Claude were always there for any equestrian event, sporting event, art exhibition, music performance, award ceremonies, and anything else her family was a part of. No matter what, you could find them cheering and smiling. She taught her kids everything they needed to know about being an independent person with great life skills and love in their heart. Carol had an amazing sense of humor and a warm comforting presence.   

    Carol will always be in our hearts for her kindness and the love that she showed the world.

    Carol is survived by daughters, Johna Gabiola, and Suzanne Bruce; Son Troy Bruce;

Grandchildren, Matea Gabiola, Paige Reedy, Caige Bruce, Keagan Bruce; Great grandchildren Bentley Reedy, Piper Reedy, and Kade Reedy; Sister Louise Charters and Brother Thomas Irby.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Claude Bruce, parents John Irby and Vera Irby, Brother Gerald Irby.

    Memorials may be made to Payette Syringa Lions PO. Box. 181 Payette Idaho 83661