Genny Critchfield Bruton was born July 11, 1944.  The baby of the family, Genny had several sisters and a brother.  They lived on the other side of Alameda and she went to elementary school there. Her father worked out of town a lot and he would write her letters, which she loved to receive and read.  When it came time for junior high, she was determined to get to South Gate, and she road several buses to get to school every day through her years with us!  A pretty blonde with a sweet, warm, outgoing personality, Genny had a great group of friends and was involved and active in Pep Squad all three years of high school, cheerleader S'61 and W'62, A-12 Vice President and a Prom and Homecoming Princess our Senior Year. 

She and Bill Bruton, '60, married and made their home in Surfside, California.  She was a devoted and loving mother to their three children, Amy, Colton, and Clinton.  She had the gift of a peacemaker and was good at smoothing out family difficulties.  She loved people and huge gatherings in their home for Christmas Eve or at their cabin outside of Big Bear City.  Summers at the cabin would find gatherings there with family and friends camping on their land.  Bill was interested in the Old West and they decorated the cabin with a homey, Western theme. They loved to watch movies and she and Bill traveled to Arizona most every year and Genny loved finding the turquiose and other stones from there.  Genny was an energetic, busy, talented homemaker who loved to sew for her children and five grandchildren, recover cushions, and if a friend asked for a favor, she'd sew it for her!

During high school and after, Genny's group of friends from South Gate spanned several class years and remained loyal and true.  Pam Williams Taylor, W'62, Mary Gail Dell Wallace, W'62, Sandy O'Neill Williams, W'62,  Sandy Coon Parrott, W'62, Sandy Horg Stahl, W'62, Sheila Carlin Sissung, W'63, Kathy Martin Nowell, W'63, Judy Morin Rumbough, W'63, and Melinda Morton Evenson, W'63, were dedicated to keeping their friendships close for years to come.  After high school, every now and then, there were weddings and showers, get togethers and parties. Beginning when they were in their 40's, the ten close friends made it a pact that they would get together one or two times a year, a Fall trip to the dessert and another either at someone's home, cabin, or condo, no matter where.  They have done this faithfully through most years, even when illness came upon one of them.  They have been through the ups and downs of life together and supported each other every step of the way.  A beautiful testimony of long-lasting friendship! Sadly, they have lost Sandy Williams, Sandy Parrott, Kathy Nowell, and now Genny.       

Genny suffered a massive heart attack and passed away in mid-March, 2026.  She is dearly missed by her loving husband, Bill, their family and dear friends.  You have been loved, dear classmate.  May you rest in peace.