LAWRENCE, Kan. – Patricia Ann Campbell Bruce, 83, passed away Feb. 13, 2023, in Lawrence, Kan. She was born March 13, 1939, in Melvern, Kan.

She attended Melvern High School and the University of Kansas, and in 1961 became the first person in her family to graduate from college. Following several years in retail, she began a long career at the Kansas Department of Labor, in Topeka, Kan. Upon retiring in 2005, she continued working essentially full-time as a volunteer at Just Food, the Lawrence Public Library, the Topeka Genealogical Society, and Kansas Public Radio.

A major KU basketball fan since the 1940s, she saw Clyde Lovellette and Wilt Chamberlain play in Hoch Auditorium, watched her team win four national championships, and was among the thousands flooding Mass Street after the win in 2008.

Pat loved music, reading, genealogical research, British detective shows, gardening, good and bad puns, and her friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Blanche Campbell; and her sister and nephew, Virginia and Bob Freeman.

She is survived by her children, Heather, Gavin and Cameron, their spouses, and five grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held this coming spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to Just Food, 1000 E. 11th St., Lawrence, KS 66046, Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St., Lawrence, KS 66044, or Kansas Public Radio, 1120 W. 11th St., Lawrence, KS 66044.