Travis Funeral Chapel

Shirley Jean Bruce, age 87 of La Plata, Missouri, passed away Sunday, October 12, 2014 at Boone Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

Born November 10, 1926 near New Boston, Missouri, she was the daughter of Donald Earle and Estelle Mae (Turner) Begole. On November 24, 1946 in La Plata she married Dale Dean Wares who preceded her in death on January 11, 1977. On October 7, 1983 in Camdenton, Missouri she married Lloyd Bruce who preceded her in death on April 3, 2001.

Also preceding her in death were her parents and one sister, Donna Wilson.

Surviving are three daughters, Pamela Sue Wares of La Plata, Patricia Lu Steele of Cameron, Missouri, and Penny Jean McDowall and husband Rod of Cayman Islands; one sister, Dorothy Webber of Kahoka, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Trisha Cowan, Jacey Wood, Toni Grubbs, Garett Wood, Jamie McDowall, Jessica McDowall, and Nick Steele; and three great grandchildren, Kaden Safley, Josiah Grubbs, and Malachi Grubbs.

Jean lived most of her life in the La Plata Community. She was a 1943 graduate of La Plata High School. She was a charter and 50 plus year member of the La Plata Eastern Star and current member of the Macon Eastern Star. Jean was also a charter member of Atalpal II, member of the Auxiliary P.O.W. 9th Air Force Spouse, and the Community Presbyterian Church in La Plata where she was an Elder and past clerk of the Session.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 16, 2014 at Travis Funeral Chapel in La Plata. Officiating will be Reverend John Becker and Reverend Stan East. Sara Beth Fouch and Neal Matticks will provide the music.

Burial will be in the La Plata Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jerry Webber, Edwin Wilson, Chuck Webber, Garett Wood, Jamie McDowall, Nick Steele, and Steve Grubbs. Honorary pallbearers will be Trisha Cowan, Toni Grubbs, Jacey Wood, Jessica McDowall, Janet Webber, Marilyn Rhea, Rich Rhea, and Dick Rhea.

Visitation will be Wednesday, October 15, 2014 with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Travis Funeral Chapel.

Memorials in memory of Shirley Jean Bruce may be made to the Community Presbyterian Church. They may be sent to or left at Travis Funeral Chapel, 125 S. Church St., La Plata, Missouri 63549.