Jean A. Bruce

Jean A. Bruce, 75, of Columbus, passed away Friday, December 16, 2011 at the Cleveland Clinic with her family by her side. She was born May 7, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in Mansfield, Ohio. She was a graduate of Mansfield Senior High School, where she met her loving husband of 56 years, Earle Bruce.

Jean had a deep love for her family and a strong fondness for her football family. She enjoyed hosting the football team every Thursday night before the game with her Sloppy Joes and Texas Sheet Cake. She rooted for all the football teams in which she knew the players and coaches, especially the OSU Buckeyes, where Earle was the head coach, and Temple, where her grandson is currently coaching.

Jean was a member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, TWIG # 102, and former member of the National Football Coaches Wives Association. Jean loved holidays with her family, taking family vacations, most memorably to Disney and Cayman Island. She and Earle traveled all 50 states and abroad to Ireland, Scotland and cruised the Rhine River. Jean was an avid reader and played Mahjong with her dear friends weekly at Mary Kelley’s Restaurant & Pub. Jean was loved by so many and will be dearly missed by her family.

Preceded in death by her parents, George and Dorothy French and sister, Diane Hardin. Jean will be missed by her loving husband, Earle; four daughters, Lynn Bruce, Michele (Pat) Cenci, Aimee Bell, and Noel (Fred) Poulton; eight grandchildren, Zachary (Courtney) Smith, Colin Smith, Carter Smith, Kiley Smith, August Bell, Tanner Bell, Kayden Bell, and Hudson Poulton, and a grandson on the way; one great-grandson, Cameron Smith and a great-granddaughter on the way; sister, Nancy (John) Kissh, and their children, Anne and Alex; and many many good friends.

Family will receive friends Tuesday, December 20, 2011 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 N. High St., Columbus (Just south of I-270). The funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 5475 Brand Rd., Dublin, Rev. John D. Morris, Rev. Craig Swanson, and Rev. Gail Swanson, officiating. Private family burial will be held at Dublin Cemetery immediately following the service.

Contributions may be made in Jean’s memory to The Ohio State University Medical Center, Pulmonary Research Fund 308510, P.O. Box 183112, Columbus, OH 43218. To share memories or offer condolences, visit www.schoedinger.com.