Carolyn May Rupe-Heady

Carolyn May Rupe-Heady was born July 10, 1939.  She passed away in her home at the age of 83 on January 13, 2023.  Her husband of 38 years, Bruce Heady, son Robert Giuntoli, and daughter Brenda Stacy were by her side.

A lifelong resident of the Ukiah Valley, she worked at the Talmage State Hospital as a young woman.  She worked the Alex Thomas Pear Sheds, a staple in the community in those days.  Carolyn had her own pilot car business, which spoke to her love of road trips and adventures.  The recording of the life and times was also a great passion of hers, as seen with her genealogy studies.  She was an avid artist and author, writing several children’s books.  Her passion for her art would lead to the building of Studio C.   She started with the pen and ink medium, which led to the many other art forms she is known for. 

Her parents were Alvin and Vera Rupe.  She was the youngest of 4 children: her siblings Geraldine, Marian, and Lawrence.  Carolyn loved her children deeply.  She is survived by her son Bert Miller (from marriage to Homer Miller), Robert Giuntoli and preceded in death by her daughter Anna Giuntoli-Lindgren (from marriage to Bob Giuntoli).  She is also survived by children from her marriage to Bruce Heady:  Debra McCoy, Tina Heady, Brenda Stacy, Barbara Babcock and Josh Heady. Many wonderful memories were made with her children, 18 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

In 1984 she met Bruce Heady.  Being the daughter of Alvin and Vera Rupe, Carolyn was an avid outdoor, camping, hunting, fishing kind of girl.  Her father Alvin was an accomplished competition rifleman.  He was a small-bore State Champion for several years.  Carolyn picked up on these skills very naturally.  She was one of the best shots out there.  This perfectly aligned Bruce and Carol for the next 38 years as they enjoyed many adventures with their mules in the mountains of the Trinity Alps.  Additionally, they shared many fast road trips across the United States.

She will always be remembered for her incredible sense of humor, and no one could tell a story like her. Along with her many admired qualities, her continuous thoughtfulness of others stands out as one of her greatest attributes.  She loved Texas Hold’em and even made it to the World Poker Tournament in Las Vegas three times, with entry fees covered due to her placement in local tournaments.

Easter was always a favorite time of year for her.  There will be a memorial for friends and family to gather on April 9, 2023.  Additional information to be provided at a later date.