Kim Bruce


Kim Renae Bruce, 60, of Charlotte, passed away Friday, May 10, 2019, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born January 24, 1959, in Beeville, Texas the daughter of Frederick and Angie (Wertz) Earl. Kim graduated from Charlotte High School in 1977. On August 11, 1979, she married her beloved soul mate and best friend, Randy Bruce, at the First Congregational Church in Charlotte. Kim was a fiercely devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was the hub of her family and always saw to it that everyone was well cared for. She was especially proud of her grandchildren and loved watching them grow as individuals. Kim had many things that she enjoyed during her life. Randy and Kim built their house in 1986 and planted almost every tree on the property. She loved her magnificent flower gardens and landscaping that she created and the nature it supports. She could be found every morning with a cup of coffee and Clancy Dog at her side, having her daily coffee talk with her mom, enjoying the sights, smells, and sounds from her front porch. Kim also enjoyed cooking, boating, golfing, bowling, Detroit Tigers, MSU athletics, traveling, and spending time in nature. Kim and Randy spent many summers on the water together beginning in 1978. They cherished many special moments together, years using their jet boat, and later cruising the Great Lakes in their bigger boats.  Kim worked at Char Lanes, General Motors, drove school bus for Charlotte Public Schools, and was a devoted employee for over 27 years at the Barry/Eaton County Health Department as the hearing and vision technician, working with great people over the years and helping many children. She was also a member of the Charlotte branch of the GFWC (Greater Federation of Women’s Clubs), and Mobile Meals.

Kim is survived by her husband of nearly 40 years, Randy; daughters, Angie Marie Bruce of Charlotte, Alicia Renae Bruce of East Lansing; grandchildren, (grand)daughter Alyvia Renae Bruce, grandson, J.C. (Jason) Carroll Lea, Jr.; parents, Fred and Angie Earl of Cadillac; brothers, Mark F. Earl of Dimondale, Thomas L. Earl of Charlotte; mother-in-law, Myra Bruce of Charlotte; sisters-in-law, Johanna (Jeff) Stolowski, Diana (Geoff) Riddle, Lisa Bruce; aunts and uncles, Denny Wertz, Darry and Dee Wertz, Donny and Linda Wertz; many cousins and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Duane and Martha Wertz, Harold and Ruth Earl; father-in-law, Wally Bruce; brother-in-law, Jeff Bruce; nephew, Grant Bruce; Aunt Marsha and Uncle Thomas Dewey, Aunt Carla Wertz, and Aunt Carolyn Piersma.

A memorial service was held on Thursday, May 16, 2019, at the First Congregational Church, with Pastors Curtis Demars-Johnson and Andy Shaver officiating. 

Those desiring, may make contributions in Kim’s honor to First Congregational Church, 106 S. Bostwick, Charlotte, MI 48813, Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Rd., Charlotte, MI 48813, or Siren/Eaton Shelter, 520 Robinson St., Charlotte, MI 48813, Journey’s Dream, https://journeysdream.org/donate-landing-page/.

To view Kim’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit burkhead-greenfuneralhome.com.