Delores E. Bruce, age 87, of Stronghurst, Illinois, passed away at 5:20 a.m. Saturday June 22, 2019 at Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab in Stronghurst. She was born April 20, 1932 near Stronghurst, the daughter of Forrest and Eleanore Van Tine Detrick. On October 1, 1955, she married Marion Edward "Eddie" Bruce in Macomb, Illinois. He preceded her in death on May 23, 2011.

Mrs. Bruce worked at the Sylvania Corporation, Iowa Army Ammunitions Plant, and retired from General Electic Company, where her co-workers knew her as "Buffy" Bruce. She was blessed with a green thumb, and enjoyed gardening and tending her flowers. She loved all animals, especially her dogs, cats and birds. She was a member of the former Olena Community Church.

Survivors include one daughter, LoReah (Steve) Gerdes of Burlington, IA, two sons, Randy (Deanna) Bruce of Carman, IL, Evan (Jodie) Bruce of Cedar Rapids, IA, six grandchildren, Danelle (Brian) Green, Steven Gerdes, Shalynn (Jay) Nagel, and Dalton, Colton, and Chandler Bruce, five great grandchildren, and two nephews, David and Dan Grimes. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one sister, Marilyn Grimes.

Private graveside services will be held in the Olena Cemetery, Olena, Illinois. A memorial fund has been established for the Des Moines County Humane Society. Banks & Beals funeral home of Stronghurst is assisting the family. Please visit banksandbeals.com to sign the guest book and leave a condolence.