Mary “Arlene” Kamura, passed away peacefully in her home from natural causes Thursday, April 18, 2024 with comforts of her 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 farm in Victor, MT where she graduated from Victor High in 1955.
After graduation, she moved to Missoula, MT and worked at Montgomery Ward for one year and Westmont Tractor. Through a cousin, Pat Kamera, she met her soulmate, Russell Kamura, and they were married August 12, 1957 in Reno, NV. They founded and operated Russ’s Body & Paint shop where Arlene helped out in the office. 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 1960’s and 1970’s, 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 a Creative Memories unit manager.
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 that came to visit, doing volunteer work and being involved in community events. In 2014, Arlene moved back to Montana to be near her family, making fun memories and living life until her passing.
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 and 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 gathering.
A Celebration of life will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 7405 Mullan Rd., Missoula, MT on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 2:30 p.m.