Billie Jo Bruce Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Billie Jo (Orndoff) Bruce, 48 of Washington, PA died Wednesday December 30, 2020 in her home. Billie was born November 12, 1972 in Waynesburg. She was the daughter of Joan Lewis Caputo of Richeyville and William Orndoff of Punta Gorda, Florida. She was also raised by her loving stepfather Joseph Caputo of Richeyville. Billie Jo graduated from Bethlehem Center High School in 1990. She continued her education at Western School of Health and Business where she became a medical assistant. In 2003, she married Allen Wayne Bruce. Billie struggled for almost two decades with an opiate addiction. Once she stopped using heroin, she continued to feed her addiction with synthetic heroin, anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, and anti-anxiety medication in large doses, prescribed by medical professionals. As a result, she was further estranged from her family and struggled to function in society. A young beautiful soul was lost to addiction. Beyond the addict was an incredible person with an infectious smile and sarcastic sense of humor that would have her loved ones in stitches. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She was smart and witty and hilarious. She will be missed eternally. It is our hope that by sharing Billie and her family's struggle we can raise awareness about what happens when an addict stops using street drugs and replaces them with equally harmful prescription medications. In addition to her husband and parents, left to cherish her memory are one sister, Jennifer Schmidt (Curtis Guthrie) of Centerville; three daughters, Shaylee Teegarden (Michael) of Monessen, Allena Bruce and Irelyn Bruce of Washington; three grandsons, Aris, Axel and Wyatt; two nephews and a niece, Steven, Sydney and Shane. Also surviving are many aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by an infant son, Colin Bruce. Due to COVID restrictions, there will be no public visitation at this time. The family is planning a celebration of life in the spring. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ferguson Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 700 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon. 724-929-5300 www.FergusonFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Tributes

Billie Jo Bruce

November 12, 1972 - December 30, 2020