Mary Arlene Kamura

Mary “Arlene” Kamura, passed away peacefully from natural causes Thursday, April 18, 2024 with family by her side.

Born August 18, 1937 in Missoula, MT to LeRoy and Mary Alice Gibson.  Arlene was raised in the Bitterroot Valley with her four brothers.  Her grade school began at Charlos Heights for two years until it was condemned, then transferred to Darby, MT where she went to grade school.  During her freshman year her parents purchased a dairy farm in Victor where she graduated from Victor High in 1955. 

After graduation, she moved to Missoula, MT where through her cousin, Pat Kamera, she met her soulmate, Russell Kamura, and were married Aug 12, 1957 in Reno, NV.  They founded and operated Russ’s Body & Paint shop where Arlene helped out.  They had four children, Russ Jr., Rick, Laurie and Angie, and Russ’ daughter, Rhonda.  Together they loved to dance, travel and spend time with family at Flathead Lake. 

While raising the family together, throughout the 1960s and 1970s Arlene was excited to start a new job working at the Betty J dress shop as a bookkeeper and sales clerk.  Her bookkeeping passion led her to employment with Dr. Ed Buchanan Lab and clinic at Community Hospital, then to Norco Medical, Arrow Ambulance. 

After 31 great years, Russ passed away in 1988 leaving Arlene a widow at age 51.  Arlene then retired in 1992, remained at her home and raised horses.  Inspiration led her to work from home as an independent contractor for Mary Kay Cosmetics, Scentsy Candles, and most proudly became a unit manager for Creative Memories.

In 2002, Arlene became a “snowbird” and purchased her winter home in Arizona, also to be near her cousin Barbara Steadman.  She had many wonderful memories there.  Her life was full of activities, entertaining family and friends, doing volunteer work and being involved in community events.

Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Mary Alice Gibson, loving husband Russ Kamura, and brother John Gibson, San Antonio, TX. 

She is survived by her brothers, Chuck Gibson, Missoula, MT, Ben & Ken Gibson, Victor, MT.  Her sons; Russell Kamura Jr and Rick Kamura (Kathy), daughters Laurie Nefzger (Dennis) of Missoula; Angie Grimes (Kevin) of Hamilton, MT; Stepdaughter Rhonda Booth (Rick) also of Missoula.  Nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  Also, with respect to her Arizona companion and friend, Bob O’Harrow. 

The family would like to express a special thank you to all who assisted in our mother’s care.   

She was interred with her husband at Sunset Memorial Gardens in a private service.   

A Celebration of life will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 7405 Mullan Rd, Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 2:30pm.