Barbara Bruce

Barbara Ruth Bruce (née Elmes),age 76, passed away on February 3, 2025, in Whitney, Texas.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Barbara Ruth Bruce lived a life full of resilience, love, and an unshakable sense of self. She was a woman ahead of her time-a first-generation working woman who built a distinguished career at Komar Brands, where her dedication and hard work left an unforgettable mark. Even after her retirement, her name was spoken with admiration by those who had the privilege of working alongside her.

A city girl at heart, Barbara embraced country life with open arms when she moved to McAlester, Oklahoma, with her late husband, Guy R. Bruce, a proud United States Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient. She found solace in the quiet beauty of her farm, raising horses and riding with a grace she would never boast about but that others always admired.

Barbara had a deep passion for history, particularly her own. She meticulously traced the roots of the Elmes and Olsen families, uncovering their journey from England and Ireland to Boston, Massachusetts. She traveled to meet distant relatives, preserving their stories and ensuring that the legacy of her family would be passed down for generations. One of her most treasured discoveries was the origin of her father's aunt cameo ring-an heirloom now carrying with it the pride and history of those who came before.

She was the proud mother of her beloved son, George Russell "Rusty" Bruce, a champion roller-skater and passionate Harley-Davidson rider who could always be found with a Jack and Coke in hand and a story worth telling. Rusty was the center of her world, and though losing him brought her immeasurable sorrow, she found peace in knowing they would one day be together again. On February 3rd, that day came, and she was received with open arms by the son who was truly her life's purpose.

Barbara is survived by her sister, Beverly Elmes of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and her niece Georgette Sparks, along with Georgette's husband, Matthew Sparks of Harleysville, Pennsylvania, and their children, Matthew, Eleanor, and Fiona. She was also a cherished sister-in-law to the Bruce family and her daughter-in-law Deborah Bruce of Massachusetts; and her beloved granddaughter, Harley Bruce.

She is preceded in death by her parents, George B. Elmes and Ruth E. Elmes (née Olsen), her devoted husband, Guy R. Bruce, and her beloved son, Rusty Bruce.

Barbara lived boldly, loved deeply, and left behind a legacy that will not be forgotten. She was sassy, strong, and fiercely independent-a woman who carved her own path and embraced every chapter of her life with passion and pride. While she will be deeply missed, her story lives on in the family she cherished and the memories she created.

Rest easy, Barbara-you are home, in the arms of your son once more.