Obituary of Sarah Bruce

BRUCE, Sarah Butler, 81, of Gainesville, passed away Thursday, November 9, 2006, of natural causes. She was the youngest of three children born in Lynchburg, Va., to Charles R. and Nancy Davis Butler December 22, 1924. Sarah attended Virginia Intermont College and received her associate degree. She was married to William "Bill" S. Bruce from Chicago, Ill., for 58 years October 16, 2006. She was an active member in Tampa of Palma Ceia Methodist Church as a teacher and leader, the Junior League, MacDonald Training Center for the Mentally Challenged and La Sertoma, PEO/Chapter FH of Gainesville and a volunteer at North Florida Regional Hospital. She attended Trinity United Methodist Church. Sarah loved to paint, especially bird houses for the yard. She enjoyed a competitive game of bridge as often as possible. Being with family and friends was her passion and joy. A face-to-face talk with one of her six grandchildren was a priority and gave her great satisfaction and laughter. Sarah was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Jean Evans; and a brother, Charles R Butler. She leaves a devoted and loving husband, Bill Bruce; a son, W. Stewart Bruce Jr., and his wife, Mary Lou; a daughter, Margie McGriff, and her husband, Lee C. McGriff; and six grand- children, Travis and his wife, Danielle McGriff, Britt McGriff, Molly and Lacey McGriff, of Gainesville Fla., and Taylor and Blake Bruce of Salem, Va.; as well as many other loving and caring family members and friends. She will forever be remembered as Nana. Sarah's loving and caring ways, her smile, her laugh, her determined behavior, her internal strength, style and lust for life with her family and friends will be cherished. A memorial service to celebrate her life took place at 11 a.m. Monday, November 13, 2006, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 4000 N.W. 53rd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32653-4405. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Chapter FH PEO Sisterhood, 1931 32nd N.W. Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32605, or the National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc. Arrangements are by Milam Funeral and Cremation Services, Gainesville, Fla., (352) 376-5361.