Mary E. Bruin passed away surrounded by family Aug. 16, 2023.
Mary was born July 2, 1933, at Byron, Indiana, to William and Evelyn Reddish. She attended Greene Township School in Parke County where she met her future husband, Ralph Bruin. She graduated from Russellville High School. After high school, Ralph served in the Army where he was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. Ralph used his considerable charms to convince Mary to move to Fairbanks where they were married on Oct. 3, 1953. After serving in Alaska, they moved back to Indiana and both attended Purdue University where Mary earned a degree in dietetics.
After college, they settled in Indianapolis where among other jobs, Mary served 39 years as the secretary of 7th and 8th Christian Church. While several pastors served that congregation, everyone knew who really ran the church! Mary and Ralph also attended Wesley United Methodist for many years where they both served in various leadership positions.
Of all the things in Mary’s life, family was most important. In addition to her husband, Ralph, she is survived by her sons, Mark (Sharon) and Bret (Suzi); daughter-in-law Cheryl; grandchildren, David, Colin, Eric, Emily, Will and Brooke Bruin; and sisters, Kathryn Marshall and Carolyn Fullen.
One of the joys of Mary’s life was the many family gatherings attending by numerous nieces, grand-nieces and nephews, cousins and other family members. On July 2, over 75 people gathered at their farm to celebrate Mary’s 90th birthday, a tribute to the love so many people had for her.
She was predeceased by her parents; brothers, Jim, John and Don Reddish; and sister Lois Cloncs. She joins in Heaven her beloved son, Michael Bruin, an often-decorated veteran of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
Calling will be held Monday, Aug. 21, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with services following at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, both at Russellville Community Church, 103 Third St., Russellville, Indiana.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wheeler Mission or Fletcher Place Community Center in Indianapolis. Memorials may be made to the mission work at Russellville Community Church.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Gooch Funeral Home, Rockville.
Online condolences may be shared at www.goochfuneralhome.com.
