Braddie May Bruce

Braddie May Bruce, age 79, of Island City, died January 11, 2008 at a local care facility.

A service will be held on April 26, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. at the Canyon City Cemetery. A memorial gathering will follow the service at the Outpost Restaurant in John Day.

Mrs. Bruce was born on January 26, 1928, the daughter of Clyde Willis and Grace Irene (Herburger) Laughlin in Prairie City. She was raised in Dayville and graduated from high school there and on January 12, 1947 she married Ralph Bruce in Canyon City. She worked as a school secretary in Canyon City, Ukiah and John Day. For several years they lived in Fairbanks, Alaska where she worked for the Episcopal Bishop and for a co-op drug company. In her younger years she was a Rainbow Girl and then a member of Eastern Star, of which she was a Past Worthy Matron. She was an active member of the Canyon City Episcopal Church. She was a 4-H leader in the 1960's. In more recent years Ralph and Braddie spent their winters in Arizona and visiting family in San Diego. She loved to dance, square dance, sing in church and picnicking. She enjoyed people, cooking and playing cards.

Survivors include her husband, Ralph of Island City; children, Sandra Rysdam of Elgin, Craig Bruce of Bend and Sheila Bruce of Bend; brother, Willis Laughlin of San Diego, California ; grandchildren, Kristi Knight of La Grande and Kevin Knight of Elgin; two step-grandchildren, Angie Marzano of Portland and Jennie Cupp of Bend; two great grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Mrs. Bruce to the Alzheimer's Association in care of Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street in La Grande.