Nellie Ruth (Phipps) Bruce ,86, of Troy, passed away on Nov. 13, 2021 with her children by her side at Troy Manor Nursing Home in Troy, MO.

Nellie was born on Oct. 1, 1935 in Qulin, MO. As a teenager, she spent time working in an ice cream parlor and as a nanny on Pennsylvania  Avenue in Washington, D.C. She married Robert Earl Bruce on Valentine's Day in 1953. After Earl passed away Nellie would say " I wish after a couple was married for over 50 years that God would call them both to heaven within a year apart".

Nellie's family would often joke that Nellie "wore the pants in the family " ! Her zest for life even followed her into the nursing home where Nellie quickly became one of the staff's favorite residents  due to her quick wit and humor.

Nellie has four children, two daughters and two sons. Two of her children live in Troy, MO , Debbie (Al) Stark, Rob (Tracey) Bruce, one in O'Fallon, Dana (Kevin) Lindsey and one in Centreville, Mississippi, Bradley Bruce.  Nellie has 7 grandchildren, including the late Jason Stark and 8 great-grandchildren. Nellie often babysat children in her home and spent many years working in the nursery at her churches, Fee Fee Baptist and Carrollton Baptist. Nellie accepted a job at Wal-Mart in her later years in Troy because she loved being around people. Nellie often said she always loved being around cheerful,  upbeat people with a good sense of humor because they made her feel young at heart.

Nellie was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Earl Bruce as well as countless family and friends.

Nellie's life was remembered by her immediate family on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021 at her daughter Debbie's home.

"In our hearts forever, thank you for the gift of laughter"

Family and Friends may sign the online guest book @www.mccoyblossomfh.com