CLARICE ELEONOR JENNINGS CARNAHAN

Clarice E. Jennings Carnahan, age 90, died peacefully at the Lompoc Comprehensive Care Center on Sunday, 31 May 2009. Clarice was born on 23 June 1918 to Clarence and Daphene Jennings in Redwood Falls, MN. She graduated from Saint Cloud Tech High School in Saint Cloud, MN. During a brief marriage, she moved to California and eventually settled in San Diego.

The 20th of November 1965 she married Carl Lowry Carnahan, Sr., of Chula Vista, CA. On that day she not only became a wife but the stepmother of Carl L. Carnahan, Jr., mother-in law of Joyce Carnahan, and the grandmother of Christy Joy, Randal Carl and Russell Alan Carnahan. She excelled in creating family events that have left us with many happy memories. Clarice enjoyed playing bridge with her friends and entertaining their friends with dinners and game nights. After Carl retired, they traveled in their motor home all over the United States. Her favorite destination was to see her family in Minnesota. Her nephew, Mark Jennings, his wife Dorothy, and their girls, Alison and Erica, held a special place in her heart.

In April 1994 she moved to Lompoc and became an active member of the community. She was an avid reader, so it wasn't long before she was involved volunteering at the Lompoc Library. She became a docent at the Lompoc Museum and the Artesia School House and was a greeter/helper at the Lompoc Senior Center. She worked on various committees at the First United Methodist Church of Lompoc; her favorites were making snacks for underprivileged children through an after-school program and being in charge of cookie Sunday each month. She enjoyed baking and so became the "cookie lady" of the church.

Clarice is survived by her nephew Mark and his wife Dorothy Jennings and her great-nieces Alison and Erica, New Hope, MN; stepson, Carl L. Carnahan, Jr., Orcutt, CA; grandchildren, Christy J. Gonzalez, Lompoc, CA, Randal C. Carnahan, Orcutt, CA, and Russell A. (Allison) Carnahan, Seguin, TX; great grandchildren, Brandan C. and Kalyn M. Gonzalez, Lompoc, CA, Timothy P. and Sean M. Carnahan, Bend, OR, and Justin D. and Jennifer G. Carnahan, Austin, TX.

Clarice was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother and his wife, Gordon and Mary Jennings, and her beloved aunt and uncle, Alice and J.C (Fitzy) Fitzgerald.

A memorial celebration of Clarice's life will be held at First United Methodist Church of Lompoc officiated by Rev. Steve Petty on Saturday, 27 June 2009 at 2 pm with a cookie reception to follow in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society or your favorite charity. Interment is at the Lompoc Cemetery.