Alyce Carolyn Woodruff

Alyce Carolyn Woodruff, 62 VISTA -- Alyce Carolyn Woodruff, ~ known to most as Carolyn ~ passed away peacefully on October 14, 2010 in Bakersfield, Calif., surrounded by loved ones. Since 1996, Carolyn resided in Vista. Previously-except for one year in Belgium-she lived at her childhood home in the shadow of the San Luis Rey Mission. Carolyn's parents, Shirley and Eva Woodruff, predeceased her, as did her two brothers, William Woodruff of Vista, and David Woodruff of Bakersfield. She is survived by one sister, Eanne Hampe of Ramona; as well as nephews, Nathaniel Schwartz of Las Vegas, Jason Woodruff of Blue Jay, Ray Woodruff, Michael Woodruff; and nieces, Nila Cates of Vista, Gena Lieske and Michele Akins of Bakersfield, Tina Carrier, Terry, Shirley, and Renee Woodruff; as well as numerous great-nephews and great-nieces. During Carolyn's final days, her sister-in-law, Gretchen Woodruff cared for her in Bakersfield. Educated in local schools, Carolyn attended the old one- room San Luis Rey School until it closed, then Mission Elementary, Jefferson Jr. High, and graduated from Oceanside High in 1966. She also lived in Brussels, Belgium where she worked for International Curriculum Institute. In addition, she was employed by Good News Etc., Wal-Mart, and worked for many years at Loaves and Fishes Christian book store in Vista, and Laguna Riviera Eldercare in Carlsbad. Although she never married, Carolyn leaves an expansive legacy through her generous gifts of knitted and crocheted items. Her knitting needles became her trademark and she rarely went anywhere without them. She made hundreds of baby blankets for new mothers at Camp Pendleton over the years. Most everyone she knew received something handmade from her at one time or another-hats, slippers, sweaters, and afghans. She loved the Prime Timers at her church, her Thursday Bible study group, and her Sunday school class. Carolyn was well known for calling loved ones early on the morning of their birthdays to sing her special happy birthday song. This version includes the line, "May you find Jesus near, every day of the year." Friends and family are invited to gather at the San Luis Rey Pioneer Cemetery anytime after 11:30 a.m. on October 29, 2010 to await the hearse bearing her remains from Bakersfield. In accordance with Carolyn's wishes, she will be interred there among many of her ancestors in a 12:30 p.m. service. At 2 p.m., a memorial service will be held at First Assembly of God Church in Vista with a reception immediately following. Greenlawn Mortuary in Bakersfield coordinated the final arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Oceanside Historical Society for maintenance of the San Luis Rey Pioneer Cemetary. Carolyn rests at last in the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ. She will be greatly missed but all whose salvation is secure will see her again in glory. Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com