Bruna (Ruggiero) Ortbals, 74, Argyle, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and nurturing friend to countless people, passed away Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at her home, the very land of the century farm she shared with her husband, a place she deeply loved.
She was born June 10, 1951, to the late Joseph and Grace Ruggiero in Reggio Calabria, Italy. She and her family moved to Elmira, N.Y. 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 U.S. Marine Corps. They built a beautiful life together after being united in marriage Dec. 5, 1970, in Elmira, N.Y.
The couple eventually settled in Columbia, where Bruna established her life’s true calling: Sunshine Acres Daycare. For over 35 years, she 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. Bruna was part of many early childhood education organizations during her career.
Later in life, she returned to her simple, deep connection with nature. Bruna 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 and she fiercely loved her five grandchildren, who were the light of her life.
Bruna was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Koeltztown.
Her 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.
Bruna was preceded in death by parents, Joseph and Grace.
She is survived by husband, Jim of Argyle; children, Phillip Ortbals and wife Safire of Hartsburg and Sara Brown and husband Andrew of Tampa, Fla.; grandchildren, Ezra and Jude Ortbals and Adeline, Serena and Julian Brown; siblings, Tony Ruggiero and wife Maurina and Mario Ruggiero and wife Elizabeth, all of Elmira, N.Y.
Private family services and burial were held at St. Boniface Catholic Church.
Arrangements entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes - Westphalia.
