of Conway, AR
June 24, 1942 - November 3, 2023
Carolyn Ruth Yarger Bruce, 81, of Conway, Arkansas died Friday, November 3, 2023. Born June 24, 1942 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to the late Robert Herschel and Ruth Grace Nichols Yarger. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and PEO Chapter E, both of Conway.
She was preceded in death by a brother, David Yarger and a sister, Sheila Weaver. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, James Robert Bruce; a brother, Charles Yarger of Edmond, OK; daughters, Deborah Turner (Dan) and Lisa Lawrence (Marcus) both of Conway, AR; five grandchildren, Joshua Smith of Chicago, IL; Emily MacDonnell (John) of Centerton, AR; Abigail Heim (Joshua) of Conway, AR; Nathaniel Lawrence (Allison) of Conway, AR and Hannah Stinson (Blake) of El Paso, TX and four great grandchildren, Kadius Heim, Braxton Lawrence, Anara Heim and Eloise MacDonnell.
Carolyn graduated from high school in Bristow, OK where she met her high school sweetheart, James. She graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond with a degree in education. She then followed her husband to New Orleans, LA where he pursued a graduate degree and she taught first grade in Westwego, Louisiana. In 1967, they moved to Spartanburg, South Carolina, where both their daughters were born and Carolyn used her typing skills to type her husband's doctoral dissertation.
After moving to Conway in 1974, Carolyn earned a master's degree in special education from the University of Central Arkansas. She taught elementary school for many years in Conway. First at the Cadron School and then at Ida Burns Elementary. She loved teaching and was loved by her students. Carolyn was very proud of her educational achievements and often joked that she had more graduate credit hours than her husband, who had his doctorate degree. Carolyn reluctantly retired from teaching in 1998 in order to care for her aging parents. Caring for others was very important to her. She provided care for her parents; her brother, David in his last days; as well as for her husband; children and grandchildren.
Carolyn loved her church, First United Methodist, where she sang in the early service choir and was a longtime member of the Round Table Sunday School Class. Carolyn was a loyal supporter of the National Education Association and the American Civil Liberties Union. Memorial gifts can be directed to the ACLU, First United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.
Although Carolyn's last year was difficult with spinal surgery and much pain, we are comforted to know that she lived her life so that heaven would be her final resting place. The memorial service is 10:00 am Thursday, November 9th at First United Methodist Church in Conway, followed by a reception with the family.
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17 Condolence(s)
Jami Sue Brandt
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Carolyn was my dad’s first cousin. She is family I connected with through facebook.
I remember my first time really conversing with her was at Aunt Fern’s funeral. My experience led me to know she was a positive, upbeat, wonderful, woman.
Every like gave me so much encouragement…she encouraged me a lot!
I so looked forward to visiting with her at Yarger functions.
My heart is sad but I’m grateful this awesome lady was family!
All my love & prayer,
Jami Sue
(Pressley’s daughter)
Mary Langston
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of Carolyn. I worked with her for several years at Ida Burns. She was a great teacher and a joy to know.
Patricia Newton
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Carolyn was always smiling and had those around her smiling too. She will be missed.
Charles Yarger
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
To my beloved little sister: I am thankful to have had you in my life.
To the loved ones she left behind, whom I love also: I long to be there and gather you into my arms and comfort you.
Quinn Harvey
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Thank you, Mrs Bruce. Thank you for hosting pool parties where everyone was well fed, and thank you for baking sugar cookies with my daughter and I with Abbie when we didn't have anyone to celebrate the holidays with.
I know your memory is a blessing to so many.
Frances Rich
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Deepest prayers and sympathy for the Bruce family.
Susan Heily
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
I so admire the contributions to the education field your mom made.
I pray for the Bruce and Turner family
Becky (Bruce) Shofner
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
I never saw Carolyn not smiling when we were visiting. She had the warmest heart and it was so obvious how caring she was. What’s lovely, precious woman. She will be so missed and I will be praying for all of the family. Love you all so much.
Pam Transport
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
From all of us at Pam Transport, we're so sorry for your loss and are lifting all of you up in our prayers! I'm sure she is singing in our Father's Choir and loving it!
Anna Szafranek
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
My deepest sympathy. I have many memories of nice time what we had during her visits in Europe and her hospitality during my stay in the USA. I will miss her friendly character.
Teddy Joy Lawson
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
I have many fond memories of Carolyn, my cousin, when we were children. As the youngest of cousins, I can remember her from our childhood and staying with her family in Wert, OK, as I remember her at times when she was older and she cared for her parents.
She was a caring and kind person. Will miss her very much at all the Yarger gatherings. She lived a full and happy life!
Keith Yarger
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
She was a lovely person. She will be missed.
Georgia Ross
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Lisa and Debbie, l'm so sorry on your Mom's passing. I always enjoyed visiting with her at Church.
Faye Shepherd
Monday, November 6, 2023
Debbie and Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. May her memory be a comfort to you.
Faye
Jeffrey and Diane Lawrence
Monday, November 6, 2023
Praying for the family
Dana Villines
Monday, November 6, 2023
My deepest sympathy. She was lovely and I enjoyed working with her at Ida Burns.
Rickey Gulley
Monday, November 6, 2023
Mrs. Bruce was such a lovely woman. She was one of the teachers that I knew when I attended Ida Burns Elementary School.
I had great conversations with during the both times that I had reunions at that school.
I will truly miss her amazing smile and good friendly character,