Michelle "Shelley" M. Bruce

Michelle “Shelley” Marie (Vaught) Bruce, 55 years young, left this world unexpectedly and all too soon on Thursday, November 3, 2022. She was born in Indianapolis on May 21, 1967, to Freddie R. and the late Sheila M. (Fitzpatrick) Vaught. The oldest of three daughters in a tight knit family, Shelley was the quiet one who was known as grandpa’s girl. Athletic by nature, she was a member of the volleyball and basketball teams, but truly excelled in track. In her sophomore year at Ben Davis High School, the love affair with the boy of her dreams, Mark, began with a rose at a basketball game, and lasted forty glorious years. The two were joyously united in marriage on June 6, 1987, beginning their happy family of four. Shelley and Mark built their first home in the city, raising the two boys in the Ben Davis district where she was actively involved in all the kid’s school activities and referred to as the “mom” of the football club. From the start, she ensured the family’s life was constructed on a solid foundation, working tirelessly for the good of all. As time went by and the boys, now men, made lives of their own, Shelley and Mark found themselves with an empty nest. A city girl at heart, she recognized Mark’s desire for the country and agreed to purchase their forever home and fixer-upper in the rural countryside with a quaint pond to be near the kids, their wives, and the grandchildren; this became her happy place where she found her solace regularly watching the sunset across the pond. Previously employed at One America, Shelley most recently worked in the Fillmore School Cafeteria, where she was afforded the gift of a hug and “I love you” from her oldest grandson daily. A nature lover, she tended her gardens, flowers and vegetable, canning the fruits of her labor, but never sure if it would be edible (it always was!). Weekly date nights with Mark were a must, and she loved traveling, especially to the ocean. Fun spirited, she was known to break out in song and dance for yearly birthday rituals of the Beatles Birthday Song, crooning to those she held dear. With stunning beauty that radiated from within, Shelley was an inspiration in the lives of many, living and breathing for her family and selflessly giving herself while remaining humble. A devoted wife, mother and Nana, she was Mark’s rock throughout their time together, along with serving as his past present and future. Sincerely inspirational, she left an impact on this world that will remain unrivaled. Leaving a hole in the hearts of her family that can never be filled, she also leaves a legacy of hope, love, and beauty. Shelley leaves behind her best friend and husband, Mark D. Bruce of Fillmore; father, Freddy Vaught of Plainfield; children, Zach Bruce (Natalie) of Fillmore, and Nick Bruce (Alexus) of Coatsville; sisters, Colleen Holder (Bud) of Indianapolis and Denise Kriech (Mike) of Monrovia; along with her adored grandchildren, Braylon, Aylah, Aislyn, Colt, and Cade. Cremation and Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. Friends and family are invited to gather on Friday, November 11, from 3pm to 7pm at the funeral home, with a Celebration of Life Service beginning promptly at 7pm, and Pastor Nathan Couch will officiate. Memory cards will be available at the funeral home to share your favorite thoughts of Shelley so that her family may look back on them through time and someday smile. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made by mail to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, or online at https://www.stjude.org/give.html. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in Shelley’s memory, please search @MonroviaFuneralHome on social media or visit her tribute at www.lightmemorial.com.

Tributes

Michelle "Shelley" M. Bruce

May 21, 1967 - November 3, 2022