Virginia Bruce passed away at the Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, MO, on Tuesday, September 11, 2012. She was 87 years of age.
Virginia Lea (Pigg) Bruce was born near Newtown, MO, on September 6, 1925, the daughter of William Harry and Harriet Anna (Wilks) Pigg, who preceded her in death. She married Garold L. Bruce in Unionville, MO, on October 24, 1943, and he preceded her in death on May 31, 1984.
Virginia and Garold began married life in New Mexico when Garold was in the service. After his discharge they lived briefly in Sullivan County, MO, and then on other farms before purchasing a farm in the Chariton area of eastern Putnam County in 1963 where Virginia lived out the remainder of her days. In addition to the other chores of a farmer’s wife, Virginia ran her own dairy business, at one time having as many as 50 cows in her dairy herd. She also helped Garold with the beef cattle. She enjoyed raising a garden and canning and preserving the produce. She was a wonderful cook. Virginia was also an excellent seamstress, making clothes for the kids and wedding gowns for her girls. She liked to fish and enjoyed the outdoors. She had many interests to keep her busy, but she loved being home and her family was her greatest enjoyment.
Virginia is survived by five children: Linda Dunkin and husband Jack of Unionville, MO; Patty Olmstead and husband Lewis of Milan, MO; Shirley Slings and husband Pete of Newton, IA; William “Junior” Bruce and wife Joni of Livonia, MO and Mantie Bruce of Columbia, MO; Her eleven grandchildren are Karen Dunkin, Chrissy Dunkin, David Olmstead, Julie Burns, Debbie Barnett, Tiffany Clinkenbeard, Ami Hartwig, Leslie Ream, Emily Harbert, Travis Bruce and Tara Hirst. She is also survived by 19 great grandchildren (with one on the way) and one great, great grandchild. A special nephew, Alvin Miley also survives.
In addition to her parents and husband, Virginia was preceded in death by brothers Claude and Wilfred Pigg, sisters Beulah Miley, Ethel Kinkade, and Madge Grogger, and a special niece, Margie Miley.
Funeral services for Virginia Bruce were held at the Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, on Sunday, September 16 with visitation the preceding evening. Pastor Kevin Collins conducted the service with congregational singing of “How Great Thou Art” and “In The Garden.” Recorded musical selections were “Vision of Mother” and “Someday I’m Gonna Go Fishin’.” Casket bearers were David Omstead, Travis Bruce, Bryan Burns, Zach Hirst, Nick Barnett, Bradley Ream and Danny Hartwig. Honorary Casket bearers were Roger Casady, Jack Oden, Buddy Parcel, Alvin Miley, Gary Pigg, Edwin Pigg, Claude Allen Pigg, and Carroll Pigg. Interment was at the Shoney Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Shoney Cemetery or the American Cancer Society and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.
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