Caroline Gilstrap passed away quietly on November 2, 2012, at Royal Gardens in Clovis, at the age of 91, only 8 days short of her 92nd birthday. She was born in Kirk, CO, on November 10, 1920 to Margaret Klassen Braun (1890-1971) and Peter A. Braun (1888-1963). She graduated from 8th grade in Joes, Colorado and from Reedley High School in 1938. She took business courses at Reedley Community College graduating with an AA degree 1940, and then took classes at Central California Commercial College. Caroline accepted a position in early 1941 as secretary/bookkeeper at Poultry Producers Association (PPA) in Fresno where she met her future husband, Frank. They were married on November 14, 1941. Frank was drafted into the U.S. Army in January 1942. Like many spouses, Caroline spent the early war years moving so she could be close to her husband. In 1944, they were blessed with their first son and Caroline moved to Reedley to live with her parents. Twin girls joined the family in mid-1945. Husband Frank was discharged from the Army in late 1945 and returned to work at PPA. In 1946, Frank's avid interest in poultry production took the family to a small ranch in north Fresno where he began a poultry and egg production operation. They had joined the Belmont Christian Church early in their marriage and after Frank's WWII service they reactivated their membership. Over the next 30 years they provided leadership and participated in many church activities. A second son joined the family in late 1947. In 1952 they moved to a poultry ranch in southeast Fresno and Frank began a business known throughout the San Joaquin Valley as Frank's Egg Ranch. Caroline was active with her family in Cub Scouts, Brownies, Girl Scouts, and multiple church organizations. A third daughter joined the family in 1953. Also in 1953, Caroline won 1st prize at the Fresno County Fair for her home-baked bread and angel-food cake; she was always well-known as a superb cook by all who knew her. In 1959, Caroline and her husband built and began a second, 72,000 bird and 600-egg cases/week poultry ranch in far southeast Fresno. In 1968, they sold their poultry operations and left the industry, and Caroline began work as a stenographer with the Fresno County Assessor's Office. She was soon promoted to Secretary to the Assessor, a position she held until her retirement in 1985. In 1978 Caroline and husband Frank moved to Selma, and in retirement they traveled often while continuing to enjoy church and family activities. They also transferred their church membership to the First Christian Church of Selma where Caroline joined the Christian Women's Fellowship, sang in the church choir, and served as secretary to the church board and as an Elder and Treasurer. Following Frank's death in 1994, Caroline did volunteer work in Selma, supporting the Selma American Legion Auxiliary as a member and served with the Selma Community Hospital Auxiliary working in the gift and thrift shops. In 2006 Caroline sold her home in Selma and moved to Clovis to be closer to family, and here she joined the Clovis Senior Choir. Caroline was a lifetime avid reader, and always enjoyed traveling with family, singing, crocheting and playing Bunco. Caroline was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Gilstrap, Sr.; son, Kenneth Gilstrap; her mother and father; and three brothers and three sisters. She was survived by 1 of her 2 sons, and 3 daughters; six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and many, many close and valued friends. Caroline's family thanked Royal Gardens and Optimal Hospice for the excellent care given to their Mom in her last years. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Caroline's name may be given to the First Christian Church, 2026 Arrants St., Selma, Ca 93662.

Plot location courtesy of Rose.