Melissa Bruner

Melissa Anne Bruner, 40, of McAlester passed away Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, at her home.
She was born Dec. 15, 1975, in Poteau to Brenda Broyles.  
Melissa grew up at Stigler and graduated with the class of 1994. She attended Carl Albert State College before attending Northeastern State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree.
After graduating, she attended the University of Oklahoma where she earned her master’s in social work, before beginning a career with the Department of Corrections. Melissa loved spending time with her daughter, Kasey Bryce.
She was an accomplished singer, loved her dog “Fido” and enjoyed her grandchildren playing in the park.
She is survived by her daughter, Kasey Bryce of Stigler; her grandchildren, Lexie and Lydia; her stepdaughter, Lauren Poague; her mother, Brenda Gossett and husband Robert of Keota; eight sisters, Amanda Altstatt and husband Cliff of Stigler, Jennifer Kozal and husband Michael of Dora, Kimberly Gossett and husband Chad of Keota, Gabrielle Gossett of Ft. Smith, Stephanie Spradley and husband Chris of Stigler, Bethany Gossett of Stigler and Rebekah Gossett of Stigler; two brothers, Jesse Gossett of Keota and Caleb Gossett of Stigler; her grandmother, Clara Broyles of Stigler; two aunts, Linda Mayhall of Stigler and Glenda Broyles of Stigler; an uncle, Jim Broyles of Stigler; numerous nieces, nephews and best friend, Amy Medlock Pugh.
Memorial services were held Nov. 23 at R.E. Shearwood Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Tommie Parker officiating under the direction of King & Shearwood Funeral Home of Stigler.