Longtime Phillipsburg resident Muriel Frances Bruning Fix passed away on January 8th, 2021 at the Phillips County Retirement Center at the age of 99.
Muriel was born on April 19, 1921 at her parent’s farm 3 miles north of Speed, KS. Muriel was one of five children to William and Velma (Coffin) Bruning. Muriel spent her childhood on the farm and attended the one room Silver Light School in Speed, KS, graduating from Speed High School in 1940. Muriel had four siblings. Sisters, Ruby, Vera, and Leota and her “baby” brother Dean.
On February 4th, 1940 Muriel married Russell Fix in Logan, KS. Muriel and Russell added to their family with the birth of their son, Duane. Duane was Muriel and Russell’s pride and joy.
Muriel’s first job was a clerk at Hansen Ready Wear where she worked for 12 years. During the years her husband operated the White Rock Gas Station; she maintained the books. In 1968 Muriel began her 23 year career at Phillips County Hospital beginning as an office clerk at $1.30 per hour. But it didn’t take long before she became office manager which where she stayed until retirement in 1991.
Muriel loved to dance and regularly attended dances well into her eighties. She also enjoyed traveling with her sisters and Mrs. Johnson no matter the destination. Whether it was a short trip to Topeka, a trip to New England, or a visit to a casino, Muriel loved being on the go.
Muriel religiously attended both the First Christian Church on Sundays and every weekday morning enjoyed coffee with her friends in Phillipsburg.
Muriel had the attitude that life was only as good as your mindset. Muriel learned to drive in 1982 after the passing of her husband. Muriel always found the good in people and found the bright side of life. There are some people who bring a light so great to this world, that even after they have gone their light remains. Muriel was and will remain a shining light to her friends and family.
Survivors include Nephew Gene Earl and wife Fran of Phillipsburg, KS, niece Jeanette Thompson and husband Darrell of Cherryvale, KS and nephews Gary Earl and wife Robin of Nashville, TN, William Bruning and wife Stephanie of Benton, AR, Curtis Bruning and wife Angi of Ellijay, GA and Troy Bruning and wife Maurica of Olathe, KS, Sister-in-law Connie Bruning of Benton, AR; and many more great nieces and nephews.
Muriel was preceded in death by her husband Russell, son Duane, her three sisters Ruby Earl, Vera Zimbleman, Leota Daily, brother Dean Bruning and niece Margie Elliott.
Graveside services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 13th in the Fairview Cemetery, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Joel Hiesterman officiating.
Mrs. Fix will lie in state from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 1115 2nd Street, Phillipsburg, KS 67661.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Johnson Cancer Research Center or First Christian Church.