Norman Bruce

Norman Allen Bruce, age 87, of Broadus, passed away on Friday, February 10th, 2012 at Powder River Manor in Broadus, MT.

Norman A. Bruce was born on September 21, 1924 in Belle Fourche, South Dakota to Chester and Edna Bruce. He was raised on a ranch 20 miles east of Broadus where he went to a country school through the eighth grade and one half year of high school in Broadus. He worked on the ranch until December of 1941 where he went to work in the ship yards in California. He was there until the first part of 1943. He enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and was honorably discharged in May of 1946.

After the service, Norman went back home and worked on the ranch for his dad. He married his next door neighbor, Lula May Embrey in November of 1953. They were blessed with five children; two boys and three girls. They now have 14 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren to add to this list. Norman and Lula May lived on the ranch until they moved in to Broadus in 1975 and bought a house. He still went to the ranch every day until he retired. In 1978 Norman started hauling the Billings Gazette newspaper from Ashland to Broadus. The last several years he had to get them at the junction at the battle field, which was a 212 mile round trip, every Sunday and holidays. He never missed a day in the approximately 20 years he did this job!

Norman always enjoyed bowling, hunting, and cards. He especially enjoyed watching TV and playing with their dog, Rosie.

Norman is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years: Lula May Bruce; Son: Chester Claude (Pamela Joy Pettibone) Bruce and his 2 children: Ryan Allan Bruce and Evan Miles Bruce; Three daughters: Terrie Lee Freese and her 2 children: Andrew Michael Freese and Matthew Francis Freese; Anna May (Kay Edwin) VanDyke and her 5 children: Russell Kay (Jillian) VanDyke, Cara Leigh VanDyke, Elijah Edgar VanDyke, Bruce Embrey (Becky) VanDyke and Norman Frank (Allison) VanDyke; Darla Marie (Ernie Lee) Reaves and her 5 children: Allan Arthel (Kalesha) Reaves, Tami Marie (Alex) Schroeckenstein, Amanda Lee (John) Kramme, Jessica Lynn (Matt) Rodda and Kimberley Dawn Reaves; Sister: Barbara (Frank) Rosencranz of Broadus, MT and 14 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Parents: Chester and Edna Bruce; son: Allan Bruce; brother: Jimmie Bruce and one great grandson: Devin Reaves.

Funeral Services will be held Friday February 17th at 2:00 pm, at the Boyes Hall. A visitation will be held Thursday February 16th from 1-6 pm at Stevenson & Sons Broadus Chapel. Interment will follow Friday services at the Boyes Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.

Memorials can be made to Powder River Manor or a Charity of one´s choice.