Bruna Ortbals Obituary

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