Melissa Bruce

Melissa Jean Bruce, 43, Independence, Kansas passed away on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Jane Phillips Medical Center in Bartlesville, Oklahoma with her family by her side. Visitation will be 6-8:00 p.m., Thursday, October 6, 2022, at Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 7, 2022, at the Elk City Nazarene Church with burial to follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Elk City, Kansas. Memorial may be made to: Melissa Bruce Education Memorial Fund and can be left with the funeral home or dropped off at First Oak Bank in Independence, KS.

Melissa was born September 4, 1979, in Rock Springs, Wyoming to Steven J. Nichols and Thresa Counsil. Melissa graduated from Elk Valley High School in 1998. On August 6, 1999 Melissa married Richard Bruce and had two sons. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Sociology from Emporia State University in 2006. Melissa worked at Independence Community College and she loved getting to help students.

Melissa’s pride was her two boys whom she loved so very much. Melissa Jean loved taking care of her boys, being with her family and friends, running, her middle name and running errands (getting ice cream) with Rick. Melissa was determined and accomplished what she set her mind to including completing a 103-mile race. Melissa was very kind and enjoyed helping others.

Melissa was preceded in death by her father Steve Nichols, mother-in-law Kay Bruce, father-in-law John Wilson. Those left to cherish her memory include her husband Richard of the home, two sons, Ryan and Adam, her parents, Thresa (Alan) Bowman, Rick (Judy) Vaughn, Susan Nichols, mother-in-law Marilyn Wilson, father-in-law Tom Bruce, nine siblings, Garrett “Tad” (Katie) Nichols, Keli (Matt) Kern, Amanda ( Mario) Gonzales, Andrew Duke and husband Raul Freitas, Alex Duke and husband Brandon Clarkson, Dan (Sarah) Nichols, Phillip Trujillo, Darci Bowman, Travis Bowman numerous nieces and nephews and a host cousins and extended family members.