Brenda Bruner

Tiny Brenda Bruner, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away on September 14, 2025. Both of her sons and daughter in law were present. The youngest of 17 children, Brenda was born in Harrisburg, Arkansas on August 9, 1946, to Thaddeus Edmond Ellzey and Laura (Marshall) Ellzey. She grew up in Harrisburg, graduating from Harrisburg High School in 1963. After moving to Memphis, Tennessee she married Irvin Joe Burk, had two sons, Todd and Thad, then moved to Oklahoma City in 1973.

In 1991, Brenda married Joel Bruner of Oklahoma City, who also had two sons, Woody and Andy. Thad and Christine had two children, Peyton and Savannah, whom Brenda adored and cherished.

Brenda is survived by her brothers Thad and Paul Ellzey, sister Wanda Whitney, and sons Todd and Thad. Also surviving are Thad’s wife, Christine, and children Peyton and Savannah.

Brenda was a tireless worker, working most of her life in insurance sales, first at New York life for almost 30 years, followed by stints at Northwest Airlines while living in Memphis, then at Southwest Airlines when she moved back to Oklahoma City.

In retirement Brenda stayed active in church and was heavily involved in Gideons International, serving as Auxiliary President for the Oklahoma chapter. Brenda and Joel traveled around the state of Oklahoma sharing the Gospel with those who would listen and distributing bibles to those in need.

Brenda was a woman of God, a devoted wife, a loving mother, and an adoring grandmother. Her loving spirit will be dearly missed.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held for Brenda on September 21, 2025, 2:00pm, at the Chickasaw Nation Community Center, at 4001 N.W. 39th St, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73112.