Doris Evelyn Bruns

RUPERT – Doris Evelyn Maricle Bruns was born in Rupert on January 30, 1919, and passed away on September 9, 2016, at the age of 97. Her parents, Frank Maricle and Ella Culley Maricle, were early settlers in Rupert, having moved to the area in 1915 from southern Illinois. Doris attended Rupert schools, graduating from Rupert High School and earning a teaching degree at Albion Normal School and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Idaho.

Doris started her piano studies at the age of seven when her parents purchased a huge, black upright piano. By the time she was in third grade she was playing marches for the students to enter the school building. Her leisure time as a child was spent practicing the piano, a talent that she developed which was to serve her so well for the rest of her life. She was able to play any song, in any key, with her eyes closed. At a recital she had the song Kamennoi-Ostrow memorized; it was written in four sharps but she transposed it in her head and played every note correctly. She accompanied musicals and soloists in high school and at Albion Normal School.

Doris’ teaching career began in King Hill where she met, courted, and married Howard Bruns, who was also a teacher and administrator in the school district. Howard loved music and part of their courting was his listening to her play.

A son, Winston, was born to Howard and Doris in King Hill. After the three moved to Rupert, a second son, Stanley, was born. The young family lived on their farm south of Rupert. Doris began teaching music in the Minidoka County School District in 1956. She touched many lives during her teaching career and was a major influence on the music life of her students, many who have continued to perform and enjoy music in our churches and in our community.

Doris was very active in the music life of the Rupert United Methodist church, where she was organist, pianist and accompanist for 67 years. When Claud Bowman and his family moved to Rupert, Claud and Doris became a popular duo in the community. They performed for countless weddings and funerals.

Doris is survived by her sons, Winston (Lindsay) of Nampa and Stan (Leanna) of Rupert; her grandchildren, Michael (Katrina) Yerbich of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Jaysen Yerbich of Boise, Bryan (Terri) Bruns of Rupert, Geoff Bruns of Meridian, Heather (Kevin) Yelton of American Falls, Steve (April) Bruns of Twin Falls; and Miriam (Terry) Braditech of Springfield, Ore. She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren.

Doris lived happily in Autumn Haven in Rupert for two-and-a-half years. The family thanks the staff there for the love they gave her during that time. Their care of her was exceptional.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ella; and her husband, Howard.

The funeral service for Doris will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 15, 2016, in the Rupert United Methodist Church, 605 H St., in Rupert.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 14, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St. in Burley.

Memorials may be made to the Rupert United Methodist Church Memorial Committee.