Shirley Loreen Bruner

Shirley Loreen Bruner, 93, of Ryegate, was born at the family homestead on Painted Robe Creek in Golden Valley County, Montana on June 9, 1930 to Otto and Beryl (Spearin) Sasse. Shirley passed away at Wheatland Memorial in Harlowton on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. 

 Shirley was the oldest of five children. She attended schools in Belmont and Broadview before attending and graduating from Ryegate High School. After graduation, she married William H. (Bill) Bruner on November 26, 1948 and from that union, they were blessed with 5 children. Bill and Shirley lived on the family ranch outside of Ryegate except for a stay of several years in Billings. Love for her family was her number one priority which prompted the move to Billings for their oldest child to be able to receive an education at the Montana Center for the Handicapped in Billings, while still commuting to the family ranch on a regular basis. In 1968 the family moved back to Ryegate to live on the family ranch, and she continued to reside there with her oldest son Billy as long as she could before her death. 

 Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years William H. Bruner in 2001, daughter, Darla Jean Bruner in 2012, and son, William Raymond Bruner in 2023. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Beryl Sasse, sister, Lila Albrecht, and sister, Carolyn Jellar. 

 Shirley was devoted to her Catholic faith as well as serving on the St. Mathias Alter Society. She had many joys in her life including her husband, children, and grandchildren. She volunteered as a 4-H cooking leader and was a member of the Golden Valley Cattle Women. Hobbies included sewing, cooking, gardening, roses, bird watching, and most important bridge club.

 Shirley is survived by daughter, Diane Fetterhoff (Rick), son, Tim Bruner (Hollie), and daughter Barbara Mery (Stephen). 11 Grandchildren, Jason (Elizabeth), Erick (Paige), Teri (John); Robert “Casey”, Breanna (Andrew); Drue (Laura), Chase (Carmen), Cedar; Kyle (J.J), Alec, and Connor. 10 Great-grandchildren, Colby, Celia, Sophia, Molly, Maxwell, Carson, Logan, Croix, Mariah, and Alexis. She is also survived by her brother, Robert Sasse (Edith), sister Marilyn Armstrong (Keith), and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

 A graveside service will be held July 27 at 11:00 am at Resurrection Cemetery, 404 Sixth St., Ryegate Montana. Luncheon to follow at St. Mathias Catholic Church Hall.