Velma Erb Bruski

Velma Lois Erb Bruski was born March 25,1929 in Billings, Montana to Enos Erb and Beatrice Macer Erb. She was the third of six children, growing up on an irrigated farm near Huntley, Montana. She attended grade school in Huntley, then Huntley Project Junior High and High School, graduating in 1947. Velma attended Rocky Mountain College in Billings and then Montana State College in Bozeman, graduating with a degree in Home Economics in 1951. She was a descendent and proud member of the Crow Tribe. 

She met Victor Bruski in college, and they married December 28, 1949. After living a short time in New Jersey, they returned home to Huntley, Montana to farm for the next 30 years. Velma and Vic had four children: Virginia (Ginny) Bruski (Charlie Uhlman), Gail Powers, Wayne (Shelly) Bruski and Carol (Wayne) Capp.

Velma was active in Altar Society, Hobby Club, substitute teaching home economics, gardening, sewing, crocheting and was a master of crafts of all types. For 26 years, Velma and Vic spent winters in Apache Junction, AZ, in the company of other Montana snowbird friends and relatives. Family, church and community brought fulfillment to her life.

Velma and Vic moved to Missoula in 2014, shortly before Vic‘s death. She resided at The Springs Living in Missoula for 10 years, participating in all the activities and made many friends over the next 10 years, until her death.

Velma is survived by her four children, 15 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, sister Bette Dennison, sisters-in-law Sharon Erb, Diane Schmitz, Vivian Bruski, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Victor Bruski, sisters Margaret Rhodes, Eloise McClain, Geraldine (Deanie) Cleveland, Audrey Erb, brother Don Erb, son-in-law Tom Powers and grandson Christopher Powers.

Funeral services will be held at Sts Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, Ballantine, MT on Saturday, November 2. Rosary will begin at 9:15 AM, with Mass at 10:00 AM, followed by interment in the Huntley Cemetery and lunch at the Church. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Velma’s memory can be made to the Huntley Project Museum, Friends of Pompey’s Pillar, or a local food bank