Harrietta Joyce Bradford

A Yellow Rose of Texas, Harrietta “Joyce” Ruble Bradford has peacefully gone on to her well-earned glory after a long-fought illness. She was surrounded with her beloved family in her long-time home in Copperas Cove, Texas on October 25, 2026, just short of her 92nd birthday.

Joyce was born in Lawrenceburg, Indiana to Harry and Rosetta Criswell Ruble on November 15, 1934, whom preceded her in their death. Also preceding her and awaiting her in Heaven is her husband, Sgt. Dennis D. Bradford, whom retired from the Army and the 101st Airborne, recipient of a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. They were married November 8, 1952 surviving the rigors of military life for 66 years. Also preceding her were her sister, Lois Faye Ruble Koenig and brother Lanny R. Ruble.

Joyce was indeed the definition of a Military Wife while raising her 3 children and anxiously waiting for her solider to come home while not knowing where he was deployed or when/if he would come back to her. She ran the household, raised her babies in Kentucky, North Carolina, Texas, and Germany to name a few.

As the family legend goes: at 17 she was in charge of “baby sister” (while she was recuperating from surgery as a toddler) by walking her around and near the train depot close to their home. Her mother told her to stay away from the hundreds of soldiers roaming about the town on leave (during the Korean conflict era). As fate would have it, Dennis noticed Joyce but baby sister noticed Dennis and decided he was her solider. This led to Dennis coming over and baby sister introducing them as “my sister, we live right there.” The rest is history that continues in legend and with the resulting legion of progeny.

Surviving Joyce are: her Son, Dennis D. Bradford II and his wife Barbara, children Paige Bradford Hughes (Dustin), Carie Ann Bradford, Torie Morgan Bradford, and Trey Bradford (Brianna). Grandchildren Byrun Mabry (Carrie), Audreanna Johnson, Kayla Whitworth (Barret), Mathew Bradford (Macy), Cole Rodrigue, Johnny Hendrickson (Aaliyah), and Raegan Hendrickson. Great grandchildren Hayden, Carson, Erin, Eli, Cora, Waylon Coy, Jae, Caliyah, and Paisley. Daughter Catherine Dianne Bradford and her Son, Thomas Andrew Bradford, Grandson Thomas Andrew Bradford Jr, and Great Granddaughters Brinley and Braelynn. Daughter Angela Denise Andruscheck and her husband Lloyd, daughters Joyce Marie Pineda (Jesus), and Andi Jo Johnson (Chris). Grandchildren Santiago, Sophia, Jackson, Isabelle, and Connor. Also sister Gin-Nie Tanner Smith; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Joyce also came to rescue and guide each of her large family through thick and thin. Never judging, always supporting with good discipline, laughter and with hugs for emphasis of her love. Joyce was also known for the fine Cocker Spaniels she raised and her love of antiques and collection of angels. She is indeed the Baby Boomer we all should strive to be.