"My condolences to the family. Barbara was our neighbor for a while on ?B? st in Iowa City. We always enjoyed her great sense of humor, her sensibilities, caring and neighborly graces. May your memories of her love and support bring you healing comfort in the future. Sincerely, Joellen Megan"
In loving memory of
Barbara Kay (Davison) Bruse
November 17, 1940 - July 29, 2019
It is with great sadness that the family of Barbara Kay (Davison) Bruse announces her passing on Monday morning, July 29, 2019, at the age of 78 years. Barbara passed peacefully with her family by her side and with the loving care of her Bickford family in Iowa City, Iowa. She bravely and courageously battled, laughed and danced in the face of her diagnosis - Corticobasal Syndrome. Her humor and class never wavered.
Barbara Kay Davison was born on November 17, 1940 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Dale Matthews and Mildred Bernice (Hodges) Davison. She attended a one-room schoolhouse, starting early because she refused to leave her older sisters' sides. She then attended Maquoketa schools where she sang in the Glee Club, participated in the Drama Club, tooted her french horn in Concert Band and was a member of the Future Homemakers of America. She graduated MHS class of '57 at the age of 16. She later attended and graduated from the University of Iowa.
Barbara worked at the University of Iowa for 25 years. She retired in 2012 as an Account Specialist with the Tippie College of Business.
Barbara lived a full life. She was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind beautiful memories. She grew up on a farm and fondly recalled following her dad around when he walked the fences and shared his love of horses. She liked to travel. The highlights of her travels were a cruise on the transatlantic ocean liner; the Queen Elizabeth 2, vacations to Europe, the Bahamas and Belize. She also traveled to Santa Clara, CA and Seattle, WA to help care for her new grandbabies. She enjoyed reading, quilting, calligraphy, tap dancing, piano lessons, gardening, antiquing, and spending time walking with her beloved dog Maxx.
Those left to honor her memory include her children, Christine Kay Bruse of Iowa City, IA and her daughters Erin and Megan, Telly Renea Bruse Presho and her husband Scott of Seattle, WA and their children Russell and Zoe, and Larry Corey Bruse and his wife Yoko Noguchi of Solon, IA; and a sister, Janean Cook of Maquoketa, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Bonnie McDonald. The family extends special thanks to Bickford Cottage and Care Initiatives Hospice for their loving care of our mother.
Interment services where Barbara will be laid to rest alongside her parents at Mt Hope cemetery will be private. A gathering of family and friends celebrating Barbara's life will be held from 2 to 4 P.M. on Sunday, September 29, 2019, at the Palmer House Stable, 200 East Main Street, Solon, Iowa 52333. The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.
Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com. In lieu of flowers, a donation to your local animal shelter or charity of choice in Barbara's memory is requested.
Tributes
"Barbara was a warm and generous neighbor and mother. "Mrs Bruse" was our next-door neighbor was I was a pre-teen boy. She was always welcoming and kind. I remember when she took the time to let me sit in the driver's seat of her stick-shift car, teaching me how to operate the gears and clutch. Even with the engine off (of course!), it was a real thrill and I always appreciated her thoughtfulness in letting a young boy feel important. A small memory, perhaps, but illustrates what a kind person she was. My condolences for your family's loss."
"Aunt Barbara was a gentle soul, a lovely person, and a true lady. My memories go back, as others do, to the Christmases with the family gathered together. I also have a charming memory of Barbara, home from college, probably for summer break, and I was so very impressed with her class and quiet dignity. Caring thoughts and prayers for comfort are being sent to children, grandchildren and sister. "
"Aunt Barb was such a sweet and beautiful person. My heart goes out to all of the family. She will be greatly missed but her wonderful memories will live on forever."
"Sorry for your loss "
"I too remember Christmas at grandma's both when Barb was still a girl at home and later when she was married. She was a sweet and lovely person. I am so glad that I was able to visit her a few years ago on one of my trips to Iowa."
"I too remember the Christmas gatherings both when she was still a young girl living at home and later when she was grown and married. She was sweet and lovely. I'm so glad that I was able to visit her a few years ago on one of my trips to Iowa."
"A true loss of a beautiful woman!! Condolences to her family and may she rest in peace. "
"My thoughts and prayers are with Barbara's family in this time of loss. I remember her mostly from Christmas get togethers at Grandma Davison's. Aunt Barb and Aunt Janean, Great Aunt Glatha, and all the cousins. A yearly ritual that left me with fond memories of my Aunt Barb. I thought, maybe when I grow up, I could be like her. Sweet 'and' pretty. I have no doubt she has touched many lives in her own special way. She will always be in my heart and mind, with loving affection. Connie Taylor (McDonald)"
"So very sorry to hear of Barbara's passing. My sympathy to all of her family. Barb and I shared an upstairs apartment in downtown Maquoketa years ago. Such a kind and gentle, fun loving, beautiful person. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. Carolyn E. Waite McNabb"