HOISINGTON — Kathleen M. “Kathy” Bruce, 69, died May 13, 2024, at Salina Regional Health Center, Salina, Kan. She was born July 21, 1954, in Zumbrota, Minn., the daughter of Robert R. and Lela V. (Zimmerman) Kennedy.  

On Nov. 1, 1974, she married Robert W. Bruce, Sr. in Ness City, Kan. He preceded her in death on July 2, 2019.  

Kathy was a long-time employee of Rush County Memorial Hospital in La Crosse, Kan., where she worked as a CNA, and she deeply cared for her residents. On her days off she worked cleaning houses and offices. Her organizational skills were also put to use organizing family events and reunions and she cherished the time spent with family and friends.   

She is survived by a son, Bob Bruce, Jr. (Lori) of Hoisington; three daughters, Tina Sisson of Bemidji, Minn., Helen Brown of Hemet, Calif., and Betty Bergman (Ken) of Peck, Idaho; her mother, Lela Kennedy; three brothers, Karyl Kennedy (Trudi), Richard Kennedy, and Tom Kennedy, all of Pine Island, Minn.; and a sister, Helen Toutges (Rick) of Byron, Minn.; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father; husband; a son, Christopher Bruce; and a daughter, Linda Walker; and four brothers.

Per Kathy’s wishes cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life Service will be held from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sunday, June 2nd, 2024, at the American Legion back room, Hoisington, Kan. She will be laid to rest next to her husband Robert in Pine Island Cemetery, Pine Island, Minn. at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Kathy Bruce Memorial Fund in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Notices may be viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 

P.O. Box 146 

Hoisington, KS 67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 18, 2024