Mary Lou Cornia Bruce was born Oct. 3, 1926 in Woodruff, Utah, to Milton and Marintha Longhurst Cornia.
She attended school in Woodruff through eighth grade then graduated from South Rich High School in Randolph at the age of 16. She married Bird “Rip” Bruce on Dec. 29, 1945, in Woodruff. They were sealed for time and all eternity on Oct. 18, 1950, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.
Rip and Mary Lou made their home in Evanston, where they resided the rest of their lives. They owned and operated Rip’s Groceries from 1962 to 1974. She then worked in banking until 1990.
Mary Lou was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often holding music callings. She belonged to the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. She served on the board of Citizens of Uinta County Health Care Trust. She loved caring for and helping others.
Her greatest love and concern was for her family, husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Each of them held a very special place in her heart and she had a desire to help them. Their accomplishments were very special to her and her husband.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Claude Cornia; and sisters, Lenore Bruce and Emma Cornia; as well as her husband.
She is survived by her children, Roger (Kathy) Bruce of Green River, Kathy (Ron) Atkinson and Richard (Dauna) Bruce of Evanston; nine grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
A viewing was held at Crandall Funeral Home on Monday, Sept. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. and again on Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. at the Elm Street LDS Chapel (251 Elm Street, Evanston). Funeral services will be held following the viewing at 11 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Mary Lou’s name to Primary Children’s Hospital, 100 Mario Capecchi Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84113.
Condolences may be made at www.crandallfhevanston.com.
