Carol H. Giddings

CAROL H. GIDDINGS SEP 13, 1921 - OCT 26, 2010 Carol Huffsmith Giddings, 89, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 26, in Modesto, CA. Born in Greeley, CO, she came to Modesto in 1927 with parents, Otis and Helen Huffsmith, and sister, Martha. Carol graduated from Modesto HS in 1939 and MJC in 1941. In 1941, she married Richard J. Giddings who, shortly thereafter, was drafted and accepted a commission in the Navy. Carol worked as a Typist/Clerk at Hammond General Hospital in Modesto while Richard was training in Hawaii. Subsequent orders had the two living in Virginia and Georgia. They returned to Modesto when the war ended in 1945. Carol's primary focus during the ensuing years was her growing family of 4 sons. When time allowed, she enjoyed golf and bridge at Del Rio Country Club. The family moved to Fresno in 1968 when her husband relocated his business and where Carol volunteered in service groups and the hospital auxiliary boutique. During retirement, they lived in Palm Desert and La Quinta as well as Pebble Beach and Carmel before returning to Modesto where Carol enjoyed renewing friendships, especially playing bridge. They traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad during their 60 years together. She was graceful with poise, she was class with humor, she was wonderful, she was beautiful. Carol is survived by two sons, Robert and wife, Karen, of Granite Bay and Richard of Seaside; 3 granddaughters, Lauren, Virginia and Emily; 2 grandsons, Kevin and William; nieces, Georgeanne Bennett and Marianne Giddings; and cousin, Betty Van Patten. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard; sons, James and William; parents, Otis and Helen Huffsmith; and sister, Martha Bennett. The family is very grateful for the nine years of loving care provided by Joann Ryan. A Memorial Service celebrating Carol's life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 4, 2010, at the First United Methodist Church, 850 16th St., Modesto. The family prefers remembrances in lieu of flowers be sent to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356. www.modbee.com/obituaries