Carol J Bulthuis of McKinney, Texas passed away on August 3, 2015 at the age of 78. She was born on March 9, 1937 to Albert and Grace Ciaglia in Chicago, Illinois. Carol married William Bulthuis on February 4th, 1961 in Chicago Illinois.
Carol was a loving woman who gave her all to everyone she cared about. We could not put into words all the things she did – such as opening her home to others and always having an open seat at the table for anyone that did not have somewhere to go. Below, her nephew Anthony wrote a touching tribute that we think says it the best.
Carol is survived by her daughters Julie Kirkpatrick and husband Ryan, Susan Hubbard; grandchildren Christian Lamar, Rachel Krenek, Grace Hubbard and Ryan Hubbard, all of McKinney, Texas; sister Arlene Kogut and husband James of Scottsdale Arizona; sister Lynda Russell and husband John of Huntsville, Texas; sister Patricia Dugan of McKinney, Texas; brother Albert and wife Chris of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Carol is preceded in death by her husband William Bulthuis; parents Albert and Grace Ciaglia; brother, James Klaus.
The family will be receiving friends on Thursday evening August 6th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Turrentine- Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 am Friday August 7th at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen. Interment will immediately follow at Ridgeview Memorial Park. Following the interment, Julie and Susan request the presence of everyone at 7816 Purple Martin Way to share stories and celebrate their mother’s life.
Aunt Carol’s Obituary
Carol Bulthuis was a very, special woman!!! When GOD created her HE threw out the mold. She set her own standards in life and one could never call her a follower. My aunt was a woman of few words. All she had to do was give you “the look” and you knew she meant business.
From the Chippewa Bowling parties, the classy Arthur J Gallagher cocktail parties, to our unforgettable family parties, Carol would be on guard making sure everybody, especially her husband Bill, behaved. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t. The one thing you could count on - we always had a great time.
When Grandma Gracie passed on Carol took over as Matriarch of the family, which was a very, big job. Carol never complained and was always there to listen, never judging but giving sound advice. Carol was extremely generous, sometimes to a fault. Her wisdom is irreplaceable and will be greatly missed.
Whenever negative energy started running through the family Carol took on the role of family Godfather. Whoever was rocking the boat, she would whistle him or her in and correct the situation? Of course, we know that Carol Bulthuis wasn’t a mob boss, but she didn’t have to say much to make her presence known. Never once did Carol yell or raise her voice. All she had to do is look at you and tell you something once because once was all it took! That my friend is the respect she commanded. Oh!!! And we will never forget, Carol could make, “one hell of a HAM DINNER”!!!
Carol loved poker, horse racing, 3-card poker, craps and Las Vegas!!!! I guarantee they just filled another seat at that great poker table in the sky. Grandma Gracie, Joey Capetto, Uncle Ken, Uncle (Shuck two) Bill and Aunt Carol with Uncle Jimmy watching.
Carol passed away 4 months to the very day her husband Bill Bulthuis left this Earth. In my mind, here’s how I see it all happening. Carol’s husband Bill, who was a real hell raiser, has been up in HEAVEN for the past 4 months alone without any supervision. Well, 4 months was all GOD could take of Bill so he snapped his fingers and told Carol I can’t take anymore of his shenanigans. “I’m too busy up here being GOD and ruling the world to have time to babysit Mr. Bulthuis (aka AH)”. You excelled in every aspect of life. You gave you a lot of years and everybody who knew you, loved you to the core. It’s now time to enjoy ever-lasting life eternal Carol, but first you have to get control of your husband!
Every time I spoke to my aunt Carol on the phone or in person we always ended our conversation with I love you. Outside of my immediate family she was my number one fan and I will always love her and cherish the wonderful memories she left me with. She truly was an inspiration to all who knew her.
I wish she was here to witness all of our future accomplishments, but I know even though we can’t see her she is sitting here telling us she believes in our dreams and loves us with all of her heart.
Written By: Anthony Ciaglia
Dated: Tuesday August 4, 2015