Laura Bruha

Funeral Service for Laura Bruha, 98, of Baker will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, September 21 at Stevenson Funeral Home with Don Buerkle officiating. Burial to follow at Bonnievale Cemetery. The service will be live streamed at stevensonfuneralhome.com.

Family receiving friends will be 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, September 20, 2024 at Stevenson Funeral Home. Laura Mae Bruha was born on November 29, 1925 to Earl and Florence (Abrams) Stark at the family ranch near Carlyle, MT. She was one of five rowdy kids and raised on the family ranch. Laura attended Slater Country School for her early education, often riding to school horseback. Laura then graduated from Ollie High School in 1943. Since it was during WWII and there was a shortage of teachers, Laura was able to teach upon graduation. She taught for 4 years at the Ash Coulee and Parker Schools in Wibaux and Fallon Counties and the Brown Ranch in North Dakota. While at a dance in Ollie she met a handsome cowboy, Ted Bruha, who swept her off her feet and they married on July 31, 1954, in Baker. They made their home on the Bruha ranch north of Baker. Their family grew to include Doug, Rita and Julie. Along with the hard work of running the ranch came good times with good food and fellowship with family, good neighbors and friends. She followed her kids and grandkids many activities, faithfully encouraging and guiding through everything. If she couldn't attend anything related to the family, the phone was ringing to show her support, words of encouragement and always "You Can Do It"

In 1977 they moved into Baker. Laura spent her days helping Ted haul feed all over eastern Montana and beyond. She was Ted's right hand man often driving truck and helping get feed to the ranchers. On loads she couldn't join him she waited patiently for Ted to return while maintaining a loving home.

Laura was always a "ray of sunshine", and didn't know a bad day. She awoke to read the Serenity Prayer to remind her of her blessings and not fret. Laura was always finding a life quote to live by like "Chin Up, Look Up" and shared them with family and friends. Any day that she had her family near was considered a great day!! She shared her great love, laughter and care with each one of them. As her family grew to include grandkids, there was always an adventure to be had. When they left, she sent with them treats or a treasure. As she got older her wisdom and guidance was always appreciated and respected by her kids and grandkids.

Laura believed that no service was too small, and one should do small things with Great LOVE for all around her. She always had time for anyone and gave freely of herself not wanting any recognition. Laura's door was always open, and she never knew a stranger.

Laura proved this over and over for over 50 years as a member of the Beaver Valley Homemakers Club, lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary, charter member of the Baker Cowbelles and an election judge for many years. In reflecting on her life, she stated "There have been wonderful changes in this learning world and some not so good, guess that is progress. Makes my ole' head spin! Thank you each one. Enjoy the day!"

Laura and her signature waves, smooches and hugs (even over the phone) will be greatly missed. Her loved ones will live out their days knowing... "I'm always on your shoulder."

Laura is survived by her son, Douglas Keith (Teresa "Terry") of Baker; daughters, Rita Florence (Bill) Hanley of Glendive, MT, Julie Mae (Phil) Frieling of Huntley, MT; grandchildren, Neal (Jodi) Hanley, Guy Bruha, April (Dan) Gurney, Kourtney (Nathan) Stortz, Shauna Winchell (Chris Johns), Tyrell Frieling, Garrett Frieling, Lauren Frieling (Bailey); great grandchildren, Morgan, Jillian, Eli, Rafe, Astraea, Drew, Brady, Samantha, Charlotte; great, great granddaughter Phoebe; sister-in-law Lillian Byrne, brother in law Bill Schneider and numerous special nephews, nieces and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her husband Ted, parents Earl & Florence Stark, sisters, Dorothy Myers Bonness, Bernice Stark, brothers, Earl Stark Jr., Wayne "Pork" Stark. Brothers and sisters in-law; Lester Myers, Mary Stark, Helen & Herb Schueler, Marie & Ted Rambur, Tom Byrne, Barb & Paul Byrne, Eddie & Regina Bruha, Tessie Schneider.

The family would like to give special heartfelt thanks to Michelle Schumaker and her wonderful staff for their Love, Care and Kindness during Mom's 6 year stay at Superior Care Villa. She considered them family. To Therese Thompson and Terry Bondy for keeping Mom's hair just the way she liked every week and to the exceptional staff at Fallon Medical Complex for the Love and Compassion during Mom's last days. The family request in lieu of flowers to make memorials to Superior Care Villa, Fallon Medical Complex and Baker Chapter of American Legion Auxiliary or charity of one's choice.

Laura Won at Life!! Happy Days!!