Elaine I. (Noll) Bruce

Bruce, Elaine I. (Noll), 81 of Wichita, died Saturday, July 8, 2006. Services 10:00 A.M., Thursday, July 13, Downing Lahey Mortuary East. Elaine was born In Peabody, KS, the daughter of Sherwood I. and Willa (Westbrook) Noll. At pre-school age, she moved with the family to Ponca City, OK and later lived for a time in Texas, before returning to Wichita for elementary school and continuing education. Married on June 16, 1946 to Robert W. Bruce, survivors in addition to Robert are son and daughter-in-law, James E., Sr. and Gloria Bruce, daughter and son-in-law Patricia A. and Raymond E. Novak, grandson James E. Bruce, Jr. and nieces and nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Willis Noll, Dean Noll, Jack Noll, sister, Mildred Holmes and most recently by twin brother Robert M. Noll. Elaine was an active member of the Randolph Loving Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a past president of the Wichita Elementary Council of Parent-Teacher Associations and Life Member of the Kansas Congress of Parents and Teachers, and served on various other civic boards. A gifted speaker, it had been said that she “painted pictures with words”. Lifetime interests included participation with the family in equestrian activities. She felt privileged that the entire family, including grandson Jimmy - with whom she enjoyed a special close relationship - lived in the Wichita area. She was an enthusiastic bridge player and had enduring friendships with members of a club, still meeting regularly, that was formed shortly after the end of World War II. During the war, she served for a period of time at Beech Aircraft. Volunteer activities included work in St. Joseph Hospital Emergency Room. From 1974 to 1991, Elaine worked with her husband as co-owner of Bruce Distributors. A memorial has been established with Randolph Loving Chapter DAR, 1500 Tall Tree Road Apt. 2-104, Derby, KS 67037-6002.