BRUCE, Kate Huff

Kate Huff Bruce, passed into the hands of God to claim the promise of Eternal Life and a new body on October 1, 2006.

She was born October 12, 1920 in the Camp Creek area of Floyd County, and was the daughter of the late Walter F. Huff and Nannie Helms Huff. She married the love of her life, Howard (Jiggs) Bruce, who preceded her in death, May 22, 2006.

She was a charter member of the New River Hair Dressers Association. She served as president of the New River Valley Hair Dressers Association. She also received the highest honor for Virginia when she was named to the Hall of Fame at the National Headquarters for National Cosmetologists and Hairdressers in St. Louis, Missouri.

She was a member of the New River Historical Society, and was a charter member. She was a dedicated member of the Daughters of American Revolution (D.A.R.) for over 50 years and held every office. She was also a member of the National Society of Colonial Dames.

A 58 year member of the Woman’s Club of Radford, she was a past president and in May 2005 was honored as Woman of the Year. She was also a charter member of the Inglewood Garden Club, and held a life membership from the State Federation of Garden Clubs.

She was also a charter member of The Radford Business and Professional Womans Club (B.P.W.) A seamstress and model, she took top honors in the Vogue Sewing Contest. Kate was also very active in the Long Way Home Outdoor Drama, and was a past president of the Radford Little Theater Group.

In 1982, Mrs. Bruce was selected as Radford’s Woman of the Year and received a “Key to the City” on behalf of the City of Radford. Kate’s name was included in the Bicentennial Edition of the Community Ladies of Virginia.

She was also a member of the Radford City Forestry and Beautification Commission and served as a volunteer at Radford Community Hospital and the Fairview Home in Pulaski County. She also directed many weddings in the Radford area.

Mrs. Bruce has been a sponsor, director, or advisor for the Beta Sigma Phi Chapter in Radford for over 50 years. She was currently serving as sponsor for the XI Tau Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi in Radford.

She has received many honors in Sorority and was named Life Honorary Member of Sigma Phi International. She is an honorary member of the Chapter holding the Order of the Rose, Silver Circle and even more importantly, she holds the hears and love of the many women who have become better people because of her guidance, caring, and constructive ides.

The Sorority idea is to follow the good, the true and the beautiful, and the greatest example is Kate Huff Bruce.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 4, 2006 at the Grove United Methodist Church with the Rev. James Bennington officiating. Interment will follow in Sunrise Burial Park.

The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Grove United Methodist Church. DeVilbiss Funeral Home, Radford, is handling arrangements.