Carol Jean Bradford

Carol Jean (Sloan) Gulling Bradford, 77, of Carlisle, Iowa was called home Monday, October 6, 2025. Carol was born October 22, 1947 in Runnells, Iowa to Junior and Delores Sloan. She was the only girl of four children. Carol and her siblings were raised on the family farm where she developed a love for animals. Carol attended grade school in Runnells and later graduated high school from Southeast Polk in 1965.
On May 28, 1965, Carol married her high school sweetheart Donald "Donnie" Duane Gulling. The newlywed couple relocated to the east side of Des Moines. In January of 1966, they welcomed their first child, Donald "Donnie" Allen Gulling. Three years later in July of 1969 they welcomed their youngest son Roger Lynn Gulling. Carol and Donnie raised their sons on the east side of Des Moines for 20 years.
After Carol's sons began school, she took a job with Allied Insurance Company. She worked there to save money in order to go to Branson, Missouri each summer for vacation. She enjoyed spending the holiday season with family and close friends. After retirement, Carol and Donnie spent time in Texas.
Carol and Donnie were married for 31 years in 1966. Sadly that same year she lost Donnie to cancer. Carol would remarry and reside in Texas until 2008. When she returned home to Iowa, she settled in Altoona. While in Altoona Carol met Clyde Bradford.
Carol and Clyde shared a love of small dogs, family, tennis, friends, and warmer climate. They enjoyed taking trips to Arizona, where on November 20, 2014 they tied the knot. They were together until Clyde's passing in 2023.
Carol was small in stature, but with a lot of fight in her. She was a two time cancer survivor. Her smile and laughter could light up a room. You would often find her indulging in playful banter with those closest to her.
Carol is survived by her son, Roger (Allison) Gulling of Carlisle; brother, Charles (Debi) Sloan of Des Moines; brother, Lonnie Sloan of Des Moines; 6 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Junior and Delores Sloan; brother, Ronnie Sloan; husband, Donald D. Gulling; husband, Clyde Bradford; and son, Donald A. Gulling.
Carol will be cremated and interred at Lowman Cemetery near Runnells at a later date.
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