Carl M. Bruce
(July 6, 1921 - Oct. 21, 2010)

Carl M. Bruce, 89,
loved farming, avid sports fan

(Husband of Ellen Fry).
SULLIVAN, OH -- Carl M, Bruce, 89, of Sullivan, died Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010 at his residence.

He was born July 6, 1921, in South Amherst, the son of Carl Frederick and Adah Mae (Harris) Bruce.

He moved to Ruggles in 1931 to live with his uncle and aunt, George and Edith Harwood. Carl lived in the Ruggles and Nova areas most of his life on the family farm where he grew up

Carl graduated from Ruggles High School in 1941 and served in the U.S, Navy during World War II. Carl was a machinist at F.E. Myers in Ashland for 42 years and farmed most of his life. He had a great love for farming and raising livestock.

Carl was a member of Ruggles Church. He served on the Mapleton school board for 16 years, including president and was involved in the Maple ton Boosters Club for years and was involved with constructing the original football stadium. He was always proud of those that assisted in getting the school started. Cark was an avid sports fan and frequently said, "Once a Mountie always a Mountie!" He coached a Nova youth league girls softball team, a womens softball team, and played basketball and softball himself.

He had a great sense of humor and loved to joke and have fun with those around him. Carl was greatly respected within the community.

Carl is survived by his wife of 34 years, Ellen (Thorpe) Bruce; children, Bonnie (Bob) Hagner of Nankin, Donna (Charles) Fryman of Ashland, Carla (Denny) Bates of Ashland, Sue (Jim) Ellison of Ashland, and Elaine (Jim) Stuart of Nova; eight grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren.

Carl was preceded in death by his first wife Elinor C. (Ringler) Bruce, in 1975; an infant daughter Connie; stepdaughter Barbara Bryant; stepson Harry Thorpe; five brothers and two sisters.

Friends and family will be received 2-6 p.m.Sunday Oct. 24, 2010 at Eastman Funeral Home New London, pastor Martin Daly officiating.

Burial will follow in Savannah Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Carl may be directed to Ruggles Church, 1364 U.S. 224, New London, Ohio 44851; or Mapleton Athletic Boosters, 1 Mountie Drive, Ashland, Ohio 44805.

Expressions of sympathy may be given at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com

Source: Ashland Times-Gazette, Oct. 22, 2010

Revision: 10/30/2010