Marlene Joan Bruce

Mrs. Marlene Joan Bruce, age 83, of Hastings, formerly of Vermontville shed her earthly body to be reunited in glory with the love of her life, Bill for all eternity, Tuesday, March 22nd, 2016 at her home.

Marlene was born in Lansing, MI on December 5, 1932, the daughter of the late Robert and Katherine (Hoffmeyer) Tilburt. She was raised in the Vermontville area and attended local schools graduating from Nashville High School in 1951.

She was the wife of Mr. William "Bill" Bruce. The couple was married on January 5, 1952 in Marion IN. They began their lives together in North Carolina while Bill served in the United State Marine Corp. After renting several homes in the Hastings area, they purchased a farm north of town in 1963 where they raised their family together.

Marlene worked at several restaurants in the Hastings area and cleaned houses for several local families before joining Viking Corporation in 1969. Marlene worked in the manufacturing area at Viking doing several different jobs throughout her 22 year career before retiring in 1991.

Marlene & Bill raised their family, spending time together camping, working in the garden, canning food, and traveling all over the United States. Each year in July, the shop where they both worked would shut down for two weeks. The family would pack up the camper, and sight see all over the united states with Marlene driving, and Bill "navigating". One year, the family camped throughout the state of Michigan in an effort to visit every waterfall in the state. Marlene was an avid fan of all Detroit sports ; the Lions, Red Wings, and Tigers. She loved watching them play on TV and was able to attend many games in person. She especially enjoyed spending time with her beloved grandchildren, and reading a good book.

Marlene is survived by three daughters, Vickie (Randy) Syme, Melinda (Tim) DeMarse, Joan (Diane Norton) Bruce, three sons Robert (Bonnie) Bruce, Jeff (Kathy) Bruce, Bill (Angela) Bruce, two sisters, Kay, & Roberta, two brothers, Jon, & Robert ; 22 grandchildren, Bob, Taunya, Tony, Angie, Brad, Jennifer, Stacey, Tammy, Marty, Jessica, Adam, Michael, Justin, Steven, Matthew, Andy, Kristi, Abby, Sarah, Kate, Rachel, and Brittany; 43 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a former son-in-law, Martin Landes.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Bill in 2009, and her sister Betsy.

Funeral Services will be held at The Daniels Funeral Home, Nashville, MI, at 2 PM on Saturday, March 26th, with Rev. Robert Tilburt officiating.

The family will receive visitors on Friday March 25, from 6-8 PM at The Daniels Funeral Home.

Marlene will be laid to rest with her husband Bill at Fuller Cemetery following the funeral service.

Marlene was a 12 year breast cancer survivor. The Bruce family has asked that in lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI. For further details please visit our website at Welcome to Daniels Funeral Home