Carrie Christine Bruce, 88, Worked in Defense Plants During WW II as a "Rosie the Riverter"

She was born August 18, 1917 in Hickman County, Kentucky. Her early childhood was spent living on and along the Mississippi River in Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, and mostly in Missouri. She and her husband moved to Ohio in 1942. Amherst was their home until retirement. After retirement, she moved to Alabama to be near her son. After her husband’s death in 1983, she moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas to be near her family.

As a young woman, she worked farming cotton with her family, various domestic positions and cooking in restaurants. During World War II, she worked in defense plants in Ohio as a “Rosie the Riveter.” While in Amherst, she worked as a cook and waitress at the Chatterbox Restaurant for a time and later in the office of Dr. Restifo until retiring to Birmingham, Alabama.

She was an active member of Faith Baptist Church of Amherst, serving as Sunday School teacher and Vacation Bible School teacher for over 30 years, lead children’s churches for many years, and was a counselor at Camp Patmos on Kelly’s Island. She was active in the organization of the first Ladies Missionary Fellowship, and worked and supervised activities in the church kitchen. She was known as the church “bridal consultant” after planning and preparing for many weddings which included her daughter’s wedding.

While in Bella Vista, she was an active member of Heritage Baptist Church. She loved children and was always available as a babysitter for those needing loving care. She cared for several children during her lifetime after her own were gone from home and their pictures lined the halls of her home just as her own grandchildren. She enjoyed poetry, especially the writings of Helen Steiner Rice, writing her own poetry, creating scrapbooks and photo albums, working in her flower beds, feeding the birds, traveling, eating out, shopping, and had a passion for garage sales. Her greatest joy was being with her grandchildren, whether it be taking them shopping, having pizza parties, or baking. Anything that involved them and giving to them brought her indescribable joy.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law Rev. and Mrs. Dale (Gwen) Schatz of Bella Vista, Arkansas, her son and daughter-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Ray C. (Jenny) Bruce of Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina; eight grandchildren, and fourteen great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of over forty-eight years, Raymond B. Bruce on January 26, 1983; by an infant daughter Una Agnes; by her grandson Joseph C. Ramsey, by her parents Clarence E. and Floy Stella Young (nee: Reinhardt); by her brothers Harold and Ed; by her stepsisters Shirley, Doris, and Peg; and by her stepbrothers Doyle, Henry, and Bill.

Friends may call Monday, November 28, 2005 from 6-8 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 29, 2005 from Faith Baptist Church; 440 North Lake St., Amherst. The Rev. Dale Schatz, her son-in-law and pastor of Heritage Baptist Church, and Rev. Michael Plog, pastor of Faith Baptist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Crownhill Cemetery, Amherst.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Heritage Baptist Church; c/o Benton County Funeral home; 306 North 4th St., Rogers, AK 72756.