Kerry Marie (Greene) Bruner — July 23, 1959 - Dec. 24, 2025

     With heavy hearts, the family of Kerry Marie (Greene) Bruner announces her unexpected passing on Dec. 24, 2025, due to complications following heart surgery. Kerry lived a life marked by resilience, kindness, and deep devotion to the people she loved.
     Kerry was born on July 23, 1959, in Deer Lodge to Emma (Hansen) and Donald Munden, joining her brothers Don and Bob. Her father passed away when she was very young, and her mother later married Ronald Greene. Ron adopted Kerry and her brothers and became the only father she ever knew. Brother Brad joined the family shortly after.
     During her childhood, the family moved frequently, but Kerry always found comfort and happiness at her Hansen grandparents’ home in Gold Creek, Mont. There she created treasured memories of cooking and baking with her grandmother, helping her grandfather chop and stack wood, and playing with her many cousins. The family eventually returned to Deer Lodge when Kerry was a young teenager, and she graduated from Powell County High School in 1977.
     Shortly after high school, Kerry began working for School District #1, where she dedicated many years of service before retiring in 2005.
     Kerry married Darryl Bruner in 1979. In 1987, their lives were forever changed with the birth and adoption of their beautiful daughter, Megan Marie, the greatest gift, and the light of Kerry’s life. Megan was born on Feb. 5 and joined their family on Friday the 13th, making every Friday the 13th thereafter a special day for them.
     Kerry was one of the strongest and bravest women. Throughout her life, she fought and won three separate battles with cancer, the first when she was just a young teenager. She faced each challenge with remarkable strength and determination. Most people were unaware of her struggles, as Kerry was private about her health and always maintained a warm smile.
     Kerry had a deeply loving and generous spirit. During her years working at the school, she knew every child’s name from kindergarten through eighth grade and made each one feel special. Many teachers she worked with, as well as students who later grew into adulthood, became lifelong friends.
     She believed strongly in giving back to her community. Kerry volunteered with the Booster Club, the Rialto Theater, the Susan G. Komen Cancer Walk, and other events that supported children, the community, and cancer awareness. She loved musical theater and performed in Old Prison Players productions. Whenever time allowed, she and Megan travelled to enjoy live theater together.
     Kerry was also known for her creativity and talent. She loved baking and made beautiful birthday and wedding cakes, often creating elaborate tiered cakes that were true works of art. She also enjoyed crocheting, and every baby born to a friend or family member received one of her lovingly handmade blankets. Many people will also remember Kerry as their Avon lady, a second job she enjoyed for decades.
     Kerry’s greatest love was always her daughter, Megan. Megan remembers that no matter what her mother was facing or how many jobs she held, Kerry was always present. She attended every recital, game, school event, and cheerleading function. Kerry raised Megan to be a strong and independent young woman.
     After her great love for Megan came her beloved Denver Broncos. Kerry was a devoted Broncos fan, proudly wearing orange and blue every chance she could. If the Broncos were playing, Kerry would be intently following every play. She was a self-proclaimed armchair quarterback, coach, and player.
     After retiring from School District #1, Kerry returned to college to complete her bachelor’s degree in business administration. Not stopping there, she went on to earn her master’s degree in human resource management. This led to a second career as a Human Resources Professional, where she first worked for Montana State Prison, Safeway, and the Spanish Peaks Mountain Club in Big Sky, Mont.
     While living in Big Sky, Kerry met Beth, who would become a cherished friend. In 2017, Beth convinced her to travel with her to North Carolina for a vacation. Kerry quickly fell in love with the warm weather and welcoming people. When she returned to Montana, she made a bold decision: she gave notice at her job, sold her condo, packed her belongings, and moved across the country with her beloved dog, Zita, to begin a new chapter in New Bern, N.C. There she purchased a home, continued her career in human resources, and proudly registered her car with personalized license plates that read “MT 2 NC.” Most importantly, she found a place where she truly felt at home and lovingly referred to New Bern as her “happy place.”
     Kerry was preceded in death by her grandparents; her parents, Emma, Donald, and Ronald; stepmother Sharon; brother Don; sister-in-law Judy; father-in-law Bud; nephew Jake; and great-nephew Berrett.
     She is survived by her beloved daughter, Megan; brothers Bob and Brad; stepsisters Nancy and Mary; nieces and nephews Josh, Brittany, Derrik, Lacie, Larae, Andi, Sara, Eric, and Annie; her ex-husband Darryl; mother-in-law Beverly; brother-in-law Rich; sister-in-law Gayle; and many great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Kerry is also survived by her pets, Zita and Mazie.
     In North Carolina, Kerry was blessed with two special friends who became her angels on earth: Beth and Nancy. Their friendship and support meant the world to Kerry. During her final year, as she underwent and recovered from medical procedures, they stood beside her with love and care. After Kerry’s passing, they lovingly adopted her pets, Zita and Mazie, ensuring they would continue to be cared for in homes filled with love.
     A celebration of Kerry’s life will be held in Deer Lodge this spring.  An announcement will be placed in the Silver State Post when a date is set.
     Kerry’s strength, generosity, and loving spirit left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.