Carol Cullins Mahler took her heavenly flight on January 8th, 2024. She passed away peacefully at her home in Clovis, CA with her long time partner and husband Rejean Houle sitting by her side and her family nearby as they cared for in her final moments. Patty Cullins led the most beautiful prayer that united all those present to release Carol to God’s kingdom and gave thanks for Carol’s presence in our lives.
Her passing came after a long battle with cancer where she demonstrated courage and perseverance as she battled to live so that she could make more memories and experiences with family and friends. Carol was 76 years old.
Carol was born in Broken Arrow, OK on August 27, 1947 to Bethel and Lucy Cullins. She was raised in the Easton area with her many siblings. She graduated from Washington Union High School in 1965.
Carol married John Mahler II in 1964 and they had two children, John III and Michael prior to the passing of her husband in 1972. Carol later welcomed the birth of her daughter, Rebecca Thomas. After a courtship and love that lasted over 30 years, Carol and Rejean were married on December 17, 2022. Rejean had two sons, Jean and Alain, who joined the family.
Over the years Carol worked as a travel agent and alongside Rejean at U.S. Farm Systems.
Carol will be remembered for her connection to family and the joy that she took in hosting and visiting them. Thanksgiving and Christmas were filled with immediate and distant relatives who felt at home around Carol’s table. Trips to Oklahoma, Texas, as well as drives to nearby towns made up the frequent trips that Carol would take to visit with family near and far. She loved to research family history and share the stories that she discovered.
Carol shared a close bond with her siblings, lasting connections with her many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and a deep enduring love for her children. The loss of her brother Wayne in 2018 and, more recently, her son Michael in 2021 left Carol with a broken heart that is now repaired with their heavenly reunion.
Carol is survived by her husband, Rejean Houle; her son John F. Mahler, III; her daughter-in-law Deborah Mahler; her daughter Rebecca Thomas; and her daughter-in-law Yvette Mahler; her brother Richard "Sonny" Cullins, her sister-in-law Charlene Cullins, her brother John Cullins, her sister-in-law Jan Cullins, her sister Pattie Vance and her sister Vicki Vance; her aunt Katie Hamlin Jones.
Carol was preceded in death by father Bethel Cullins and her mother Lucile "Lucy" Vance; stepfather Leo Vance; son Michael Mahler; brother Leo "Wayne" Vance.
Carol also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren as well as numerous, nieces, nephews and cousins who will cherish her memory.
A Graveside Service for Carol will be held Monday, January 22, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Belmont Memorial Park, 201 North Teilman Avenue, Fresno, CA 93706.
