Carla Bales was called to her heavenly home on Monday, June 3, 2024, in Wahoo, Nebraska. She was born July 17, 1935, to Charles and Selma (Bamesberger) Cruver. Carla was the third child of four girls and attended school in McCook. She married Raymond Doyle on Sept. 6, 1953, at the Peace Lutheran Church. Their marriage was blessed with four children that they raised in McCook. On June 14, 1980, she married Floyd Bales and gained five extra children.
Carla sold Tupperware for many years, worked as a legal secretary for Hanson and Hanson, McCook Abstract and taught a few night classes at McCook Community College. She also volunteered delivering Meals on Wheels in McCook and in her later years enjoyed the Heritage Senior Center meals, fellowship and was always up for a game of Bridge. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were so loved by her, and you could always count on her to be sitting at a ballgame, dance recital, wrestling match or at the lake and any other activity her loved ones would be participating in. Of course, she always had her bag of yarn or thread and would crochet during any event to add to her craft items she loved to sell. Carla spent the last seven years in Wahoo due to Alzheimer's but her quick wit and smile made her a beloved resident of those that cared for her. She was known as the “Ice Cream Lady” for her love of ice cream and the ability to create the largest ice cream cone. Her family will be forever grateful for the love and care Carla received at South Haven Nursing Home.
Carla was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Selma Cruver; her sisters, Edith, Irene and Sandy; her husband, Floyd Bales, stepchildren, Randy Bales, Pamela Foight, and Robin Seabrook; and grandchildren, Chantel Doyle, Nicki Bales and Shanna Bales.
Carla’s life is celebrated by her children: Randy (Dee) Doyle of Lincoln, NE, Russ (Cathy) Doyle, of McCook, Roxann (Don) Owens, of Indianola and Rita Roberts of Monte Vista, CO; her stepchildren, Steve (Denise) Bales of McCook and Tom (Sheila) Bales of Nebraska City. She is also survived by 25 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at Peace Lutheran Church of McCook on Saturday June 29, 2024, at 11:00 AM with Pastor Bradley Rick officiating. A private family burial in Memorial Park Cemetery of McCook will take place prior to services.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in her name to the Heritage Senior Center, 1312 W. 5th, McCook, NE 69001. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.