Deborah "Deb" Bruce, 59

Deb Bruce, 59, Pleasant Hill, passed away Sept. 1, 2022, in Des Moines, after a brief illness. Deb was very good at being there to take care of others, but had a harder time letting others take care of her. For the last five weeks our family has been blessed to be on the giving side for her.
Deborah Ann Bruce was born Feb. 2, 1963, to Larry and Joan Bruce in Red Oak. Deb grew up in Red Oak and graduated in 1981 from Red Oak Community High School. Deb then attended Northwest Missouri State University receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Personnel Management. Deb worked for the Des Moines Fire Department for the last 17 years.
Deb was preceded in death by her father, Larry Bruce; brother-in-law, Jerry Charvat; and grandparents, Henry and Margaret Bruce and Michael and Mary Delehant.
Deb is survived by her mother, Joan Bruce of Red Oak; brother, Fred Bruce and wife Lori of Red Oak; and sisters: Diane Bruce of Bellevue, Neb.; and Cindy Akin and husband Ben of Spokane, Wash. Deb is also survived by her favorite people, her nieces and nephews, Sara and Luke Dailey (Max and Maevery) of Council Bluffs; Beth and Caleb Rehbein (Jaycee, Easton and Maddox) of Red Oak; Charlie, and Sam and Riley Akin of Spokane, Wash. Deb is also survived by a wonderful group of friends, especially those from “Camp Joan” and her incredible co-worker family at the Des Moines Fire Department. You have truly blessed her and all of us.
Deb loved spending time with her family. She was the designated cookie maker for any gathering or event. She had perfected our grandma’s sugar cookie recipe and had shared the techniques and love of baking with all of her nieces and nephews to be carried on for generations to come. She will be greatly missed, especially for her extremely witty sense of humor, ability to remember odd facts and trivia and always finding the best deal at a garage sale!
Deb was the oldest of four and was known to be the bossy one, but also as the glue to hold us together and be there for anyone - family, friend or stranger. Deb was passionate about a program at the Des Moines Fire Department that donates items to families and elderly people in need to get items like air conditioners, box fans and smoke detectors.
In honor of Deb, the family will be directing memorials to this program and continuing Deb’s giving spirit. Please make contributions payable to the Des Moines Fire Department Credit Union noting in the memo portion Deb Bruce Memorial. Send contributions to Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel, PO Box 447, Red Oak, IA 51566.
There will be a private family interment service at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.
Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel of Red Oak is in charge of arrangements.

 

The Red Oak Express

2012 Commerce Drive
P.O. Box 377
Red Oak, IA 51566
Phone: 712-623-2566 Fax: 712-623-2568

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