Miriam Bruce
Miriam Bruce, 90, passed away peacefully Oct. 1, 2016 at her home in Gallatin, Tenn.
Miriam was born to Walter and Ora Irvine Dec. 12, 1925 in Leesburg. She married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Bruce, Sept. 23, 1944 and moved to Claypool where she and her husband raised their four children and were owners of the Claypool Grain Elevator.
Miriam worshiped at Warsaw Wesleyan Church from 1927-2000. There she faithfully served new mothers and young families, organizing and running the church nursery and cradle roll. Throughout her life she was deeply compassionate, ministering to the needs of those who were sick, lonely or discouraged. She was a true prayer warrior and servant of God. She was generous and hospitable, known for her homemade noodles and dinner parties. She loved filling her home with family and friends.
In 1998, Bob and Miriam moved from their Claypool estate to Warsaw to live near their son, Ron. Two years later they moved to Gallatin, Tenn. so their daughters could provide hands on care during their convalescent years. Bob passed away in January of 2009, and Miriam spent the remainder of her life anchored in hope, steadfast in faith and abounding in love and joy.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Robert Bruce; her parents: Walter and Ora Irvine; brothers: Harold, James and Vernie Irvine of Leesburg; sisters: Esther Clark of Fort Wayne; and Eunice Hansen of Noblesville.
She is survived by her children: Donna Shoemaker (Kurt), Ron Bruce (Sue) and Leona Green (Isaac) of Gallatin, Tenn.; and Lynn Bruce (Cheryl) of Zeeland, Mich.; 12 grandchildren: Greg Shoemaker (Michelle), Brian Shoemaker (Jenny), Eric Shoemaker, Amy Gann (Jackie), Aaron Bruce (Rona), Andrea Hunter (Matt), Brandon Bruce (Jennifer), Brock Bruce (Denise), Bradley Bruce (Julie), Jessica Willis (Allen), Sarah Green and Rachel Green; 23 great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Visitation will be held at Crestview Funeral Homefrom 2-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4 and Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. A Life Celebration will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5 at Gallatin First Church of the Nazarene (407 N Water Ave, Gallatin, TN 37066), officiated by Rev. Lynn Bruce and Rev. Brandon Bruce. Her burial will take place at noon Thursday, Oct. 6 at Graceland Cemetery in Claypool.