Bruna Ortbals
June 10, 1951 ~ September 26, 2025
Born in:
Reggio Calabria, Italy
Resided in:
Argyle, Missouri
Bruna (Ruggiero) Ortbals, of Argyle, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and nurturing friend to countless people, passed away at her home on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the age of 74. She died on the very land of the century farm she shared with her husband, a place she deeply loved.
Bruna was born on June 10, 1951, in Reggio Calabria, Italy, the daughter of Joseph and Grace Ruggiero. She and her family moved to Elmira, NY, at the age of 12 years old. Her life took a wonderfully unexpected turn when she met her future husband, James Ortbals, while he was serving in the United States Marine Corps. They built a beautiful life together, marrying on December 5, 1970, in Elmira, New York.
The couple eventually settled in Columbia, Missouri, where Bruna established her life’s true calling: Sunshine Acres Daycare. For over 35 years, Bruna owned and operated the daycare and preschool, creating a warm, safe, and enriching environment where hundreds of children thrived. Her greatest joy was fostering a space where every child felt loved and secure. She was part of many early childhood education organizations during her career.
Later in life, Bruna returned to her simple, deep connection with nature. She loved walking the quiet trails of her Ortbals century farm in Argyle, tending to her many beloved pets, and pouring her passion into her spectacular flower and vegetable gardens. Above all, her heart belonged to her family. She fiercely loved her five grandchildren, who were the light of her life.
Bruna’s quiet strength, loving heart, and commitment to nurturing others, whether people, flowers, or animals, were evident to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors include her husband, Jim Ortbals, Argyle; two children, Phillip (Safire) Ortbals, Hartsburg, Sara (Andrew) Brown, Tampa, Florida; five grandchildren, Ezra and Jude Ortbals, Adeline, Serena and Julian Brown; two siblings, Tony (Maurina) Ruggiero, and Mario (Elizabeth) Ruggiero, all of Elmira, New York.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Bruna was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Koeltztown.
Private family services and burial were held at St. Boniface Catholic Church.
Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Westphalia. trimblefunerals.com
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“Jen its going to be okay. You got this. don’t worry what others think do what works best for you. That’s what I always did. Jen, remember you are the best” I also remember her Friday reminders. “Happy Friday, remember today is ham sandwiches for lunch and early nap time” Those were reminders she gave me often. Bruna you will be missed. You have made a impact in my life and many others lives. Your legacy will live on forever. To the family much love and prayers.
I met Bruna through Fitbit/Stridekick. We stepped together for about 9 years. We shared many stories of our families and the love of animals. Bruna will be missed by all of those in the Fitbit/Stridekick group. She always had a kind words to share and encouraged all of us to reach our goals. Sending prayers of comfort to Bruna’s family and friends. Til we meet again, my friend rest in paradise.
us even when I retire you was always calling me and asked me if people was being good to me .today. Is Wednesday we would call and talk but I am writing a memories about you. I wish you was here and I could just tell you how much I love you. I loved you like a sister. I will miss you and my heart is just broken with all the things that we did together is just memories now but I will never forget them and you will always be in my heart. I will never forget the wonderful wonderful times we had together and all the laughs that we had together. You are gonna but you will be greatly miss you was a wonderful person. I have known you for 45 years and we have always been friends in daycare we talked about daycare and we talked about other things and’s I just don’t know what I’m going to do without you talking to you every week. I love you and I miss you and I wish you was here so I could tell you face-to-face, how much I care for you I could tell you anything now you’re just in my heart and I will be thinking about you every day. Wished I could been there. I will never never forget our jobs and the memories we made together no one can hurt you anymore more Rest in peace my sister and I will see you someday love you my friend❤️
Such a sad shock to hear about this. Bruna was such an inspiration on fitbit and Stridekick always motivating, always a kind word. Taken too quickly from this world.
You will be so missed. Fly with the angels beautiful 🙏♥️🕯
We thought it was great when we realized we lived just 90 minutes from each other. She was always kind and encouraging.. If she was this great to know through a fitness App I can only imagine how giving and loving she was to her family and loved ones.
My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to her family. Rest in peace my friend. ❤️
The world has a little less colour with the news of her passing. My sincere condolences to her friends and family xx