Stephanie Willa Roller Bruner

I met Stephanie when we pledged Gamma Phi Beta at the University of California at Irvine in 1990.  We bonded through a common passion for dance, theater and performing in general.  You could say we were both “hams,” sharing the stage for two seasons of Songfest in which we portrayed Mer-folk in “The Little Mermaid” and whores in “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”  I’ve performed with many people who dripped with talent but were boring to watch on stage.  Not so with Steph, who was not only talented, but also had a keen understanding of how to dazzle an audience. 

We lived together briefly one summer and I must say, never a dull moment was had!  One night, Steph took me country “line” dancing at The Crazy Horse on the back of her motorcycle.  Clearly I didn’t comprehend the physics of riding a motorcycle because every time Steph turned to the left or right, instead of leaning into the direction of the bike with her, I leaned in the opposite direction.  Steph kept yelling, “STOP LEANING AWAY OR WE’RE GONNA CRASH!”  We made it there in one piece, but I think she came really close to calling a cab to take me home that night.

Steph was two years older than I and so when she got a new ID from the DMV, she gave me her ID so that I could get into bars/clubs.  Some might disapprove of that gesture, but back in college, I viewed it as a noble gesture.   We both have hazel eyes and blondish-brown hair so she was fairly confident it would work.  So one night, I went with some friends to Chester Drawers, a hole-in-the-wall dance club that served mediocre tacos and cheap beer for a discounted price on Tuesday nights.   On average, college students waited in line for 2-3 average (in retrospect, NOT the best use of my time.)   I nervously handed the gynormous bouncer Steph’s ID that I was trying to pass as my own.  He glanced at it, glanced at me, then waved me in.  I couldn’t believe it.  He thought I was Steph!   An hour or so later, someone told me Steph was outside and wanted to talk to me.  Apparently she had decided to go to Chester Drawers too and after waiting in line with her own ID (which happened to be the same picture since it was a replacement), she was denied admittance.  The bouncer must have recognized her picture because he told her she was trying to use a fake ID.  I felt like the biggest jerk!  Most people in that situation would have been pretty angry after waiting in line so long.  But not Steph.  She saw the humor in it.   

And that’s exactly how I remember my friend, Stephanie.  As with the motorcycle, she was always leaning into the instability of life’s turns with confidence and poise. 

Thanks, Steph, for being my friend through college and enhancing the years that some say are the best days of our lives.  I regret that we lost touch until recently.  But I will cherish our last exchange and the experiences of our youth always.   I pray in thanksgiving for your life and for your friendship.

Love & Peace,

Shana

I have many fond memories with the Roller family but Stephanie and I spent many times together dreaming of ways to move to California. She made it there before I did but it was her determination that inspired me to actually do it. Then in 1995 we met for a brief moment in Long Beach and we got to reminisce about our days in Redwood Falls. I’ll always remember Stephanie as the trail blazer and my encourager. Thanks Stephanie and the rest of the Roller family for being that bright shining light of hope and happiness. We will miss you dearly Stephanie.

My fondest memory of Stephanie was when she was about 5 and I was 15...I combed her beautiful curly blonde hair for hours, placing barrets, flowers and pony tails to her liking.  She was such a patient and gentle little girl.

I worked with Steph at Summit County for almost 6 years.  One thing about Steph that left such an impression on me was her love and devotion to her kids.  She would often stop by my desk to chat about something that was going on with them.  She'd ask my advice about to how to handle a situation from time to time, as I had raised two sons to adulthood and had another teenage son at home.  We were kindred spirits when it came to our children and shared many similar thoughts on raising them.

This past summer my husband and I attended a dance class taught by Steph.  One of our sons was getting married in June and we wanted to feel comfortable on the dance floor.  I was always envious of Steph's natural talent.  She made dancing look so easy!

Last winter and spring Steph and I often when snow shoeing on our lunch break.  She had a way of nudging me into to going longer and harder than I would've chosen to if alone - and somehow I never realized she'd pushed me until after we were done!  She had that way of subtly encouraging and making you want to do your best.

Stephanie possessed a generosity of spirit that I have witnessed in few people in my life.  Knowing her has made my life richer.  I will miss her laughter, her smile and her friendship.

Keep dancing my friend.

You were such a wonderful, beautiful person with an unbelievable spirit.  I'm sad to to know you're not on earth spreading your passion for life.  I feel lucky having been touched by it.  It's hard to think of Redwood Falls and high school memories that you're not in.  Rest in peace and love, Brian.