Brenda Denise Bruce

Brenda Denise Bruce, 63, Columbus, passed away peacefully at home on October 5, 2025, after a long battle with cancer. Mrs. Bruce was born on December 9, 1961, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to the late Walter Barham Crank and Gracie Marie (Dupree) Peace. Denise married Timothy James Bruce, on August 5, 1983, and he survives. Denise was a 1980 graduate of North Caddo High School, in Vivian, Louisiana. She was a member of the Rebel Stepper Dance team. She was also an officer on the Yearbook staff. She was a Homecoming Sweetheart. She was a member of the Tennis team. When she was younger, her family lived in New Orleans for a time, where she graduated from Modeling School. Denise earned an associate degree in Office Administration from Bossier Parrish Community College and worked as a legal secretary for several different law firms in Shreveport, Louisiana for a time. Tim and Denise relocated their family to Columbus, Indiana, in 1990, and Denise pursued a degree in education from IUPUI. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and graduated with honors. She was a member of Who’s Who in America. She enjoyed teaching immensely, especially science. She positively shaped the lives of many students at WD Richards Elementary School, Central Middle School, and Columbus East High School. Denise loved her family and was very proud of all of them. She always had a special place in her heart for children, and they responded so positively to her. Children and dogs always loved Denise. She had a gift for decoration both inside and outside the home. Denise was known to say, “You can never have enough roses!” She loved her Savior. She loved history and she loved America. She was a wonderful cook. She loved going out to dinner and watching old movies. She loved to travel and the journey as much as the destination. Denise was a special, beautiful person both inside and out. People were drawn to her light. She will be fondly remembered for her intelligence, strength, kindness, love, and fierce loyalty to her beloved family. Her life touched so many others, and she was truly an example and inspiration to so many. She was simply the best wife, Grammy and friend that anyone could ask for, and she will be missed greatly by all who knew her. Survivors include her husband of 42 years, Tim Bruce; son, Timothy James (Olivia) Bruce, Jr.; daughters, Kathryn “Katie” Denise Dial and Hollie Elizabeth (Darek) Woodward; grandchildren, Michael, Amberlee (Bruce), Blakely, Brynleigh, Brielle (Woodward), Tannon, and Tyson (Dial). A private graveside service was held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Garland Brook Cemetery in Columbus. Memorial contributions may be made to IU Health Simon Cancer Center or Riley Children’s Foundation. Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home is serving the family. Visit www.JewellRittman.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.