Born to Isabelle and Goldie Bruce Thompson in Lima, MT on February 26, 1932. Mert was educated in Lima, Anaconda Jr. High and graduated from Eighth Grade in the one room school house at Gregson. She attended Butte High and Anaconda High School. Her family came to Anaconda when her dad went to work for the Intermountain Transportation Co. Through the years, Mert worked for F.W. Woolworths, Schwartz Dept. Store, owned and operated "Mert's Slimette," and operated the Copper Bowl Drive-In.
Mert married Chuck Brugman October 11, 1949. They had 2 sons, Darrell (Laurie) and Duane (Maryanne), five grandchildren, Leanne (Tyler) Bentley, Keith (Debbie) Brugman, Amanda (Shawn) Nye, Amy (Dan) Boawn and Chad (Jennifer) Brugman as well as 14 great grandchildren.
Chuck and Mert both retired in 1982. They traveled for two years and then they went to work at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel for 10 years. While working in the park, Mert was supervisor of the Lake Hotel maintenance warehouse. Mert loved to travel with Chuck in their motorhome. They were in 45 states. Mert enjoyed bowling and golfing. She was a member of the Anaconda Country Club, a longtime member of Pythian Sisters as well as the Anaconda B.P.O. Does and the Turtles Club.
Mert was preceded in death by her husband Chuck, her parents and her brother Bruce.
Services will be held at the Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home on October 12, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to Anaconda Pintler Hospice, 118 E. 7th St., Ste 1A, Anaconda, MT 59711 or St. Peter's Restoration Fund, 217 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Anaconda, MT 59711.
Visitation
OCT 12. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (MDT)
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home
107 Oak St.
Anaconda, MT 59711
Service
OCT 12. 11:00 AM (MDT)
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home
107 Oak St.
Anaconda, MT 59711