1951-2026
Caroline Lucille Bruce, 74, of Arkansas City, KS passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Funeral services are scheduled at 2:00 PM Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Calvary Chapel in Arkansas City. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Monday, May 18, at the Shelley Family Funeral Home of Arkansas City. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to USD 470 for the Caroline Bruce Head Start Memorial; contributions may be left in the care of the funeral home.
Caroline was born on February 1, 1952 to parents Virgil Oliver and Wilma Lucille (McConnell) Graham. She attended Ark City High School and later received her Associate of Arts from Cowley County Community College and her Bachelor of Business Management and Leadership from Friends University. On February 7, 1969, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Gary Bruce, in Ark City, where they made their home. Caroline began working for USD 470 in 1989 as a bookkeeper. Keeping the children’s best interests at heart, she continued to advance her career and eventually became the county director. Through her dedication and leadership, she transformed the program from a small two-room operation in the back of a church into a multi-classroom facility recognized by USD 470. Her dedication to the children spanned 31 years. She retired in 2020, leaving a lasting mark on early childhood education from the multiple government grants that she authored to benefit all of Cowley County. Caroline loved doing everything for the kids. Caroline enjoyed cooking, sewing, dancing, and singing; she was a member of Calvary Chapel and was very involved in the women's Bible study. Most of all, Caroline loved her family and was a devoted Christian.
Caroline is survived by her husband, Gary Bruce of 57 years, sons Michael Bruce (Angie) and Alan Bruce (Tammie), grandchildren Chelsey Johnson, Colton Bruce, Aaren Blossom, Kayla Catiller, and Dawson Bruce, siblings Jean Crowley (Joe), Dwayne Graham (Susan), Diane Nichols, and 9 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Betty Vannoster, Dolores Wells and Linda Ory.
