Dorothy Bruner

Dorothy Jean Lebeda Bruner, 87, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 25, 2025, in Whitesboro, Texas. Her life will be celebrated with a funeral service at 10:30 AM on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Hope Church in Caldwell, Kansas, followed by burial at Caldwell City Cemetery.

Dorothy was born on September 20, 1937, to Frank and Marie (Bruey) Lebeda at the family’s farm near Renfrow, Oklahoma. She attended grade school at Eureka District No. 27 and graduated from Caldwell High School in 1955.

Her calling to nursing was evident early in life, earning her a full scholarship from the Wichita Business and Professional Women to the Wesley School of Nursing in Wichita, Kansas. She graduated in 1958 and began a distinguished career in healthcare, holding surgical and supervisory positions at Wesley Hospital in Wichita, Caldwell District 1 Hospital in Caldwell, Kansas, and the Community Health Center in Wakita, Oklahoma. Dorothy also served as the school nurse for Medford Public Schools in Medford, Oklahoma. She was a charter member of the Caldwell Regional Health Foundation, dedicating her time and expertise to support the Caldwell Regional Medical Center.

Dorothy’s love story with Darrell Bruner began on a blind date while in high school, quickly blossoming into a lifelong partnership. They married on August 2, 1959, in Caldwell, and shared 61 years of marriage before Darrell’s passing. Together, they raised three children: Janet, Kent, and Darrin. Their life was filled with devotion to family, faith, and the land they worked. Dorothy was a steadfast partner in farming, driving wheat trucks, and caring for livestock alongside Darrell.

Dorothy’s unwavering faith in Jesus Christ shaped every aspect of her life. She accepted Him as her Savior during her teenage years and remained a dedicated servant. She served as the treasurer for Caldwell Assembly of God for 40 years, led women’s ministries, and taught Sunday School. Her talents extended to sewing and cooking—blessing family, friends, and community members with her handcrafted quilts and delicious meals, each act an expression of God’s love.

Dorothy leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and faith. She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, a loyal friend, and a dedicated professional. Her impact will live on through the countless lives she touched.

She is survived by her daughter, Rev. Dr. Janet Faggart of Sherman, Texas; son, Dr. Kent Bruner and wife Jennifer of Milton, Georgia; and son, Darrin Bruner and wife Cynthia of Tioga, Texas. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Katrina (Blake) Stockton of Medford, Oklahoma; Jonathan (Kathryn) Faggart of Baldwinsville, New York; Emily Bruner of Frisco, Texas; Ashley Bruner of Tioga, Texas; and Chase Bruner of Milton, Georgia. She is also survived by great-granddaughters Abigail Stockton and Hannah Stockton of Medford, Oklahoma, and great-granddaughter Elisheva Faggart of Baldwinsville, New York.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Darrell Bruner; parents, Frank and Marie (Bruey) Lebeda; her sisters, Genevieve Marie Lebeda, Elsie Mae (Lebeda) Painter, and Helen Faye (Lebeda) Becker; and her son-in-law, Rev. Jonathan E. Faggart.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Hope Church in Caldwell, KS with Rev. Janet Faggart and Pastor Rick Burcham officiating.

Memorials may be made the the Caldwell Hope Church or to the Caldwell Regional Health Foundation and sent in care of the mortuary.

Visitation will be held 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday.