Stephanie Willa Roller Bruner

I remember how sweet and always smiling Steph was in high school and how she always treated you as a friend no matter if you were popular or not. Thanks for always showing kindness to those who weren't always treated so nicely. You are a beautiful spirit. May God always keep you close.

I have so many memories I'm not sure where to start... I worked with Stephanie for 3 years at Summit County in the Planning Department. We often had lunch together outside, sitting in the sun or roller blading the path. Stephanie was always laughing and always positive. She loved her job at Summit County and I always admired how great she was handling conflicts and dealing with customers. She taught my husband, dad and myself how to dance for our wedding. She was such a giving person, always there when someone needed her. You never had to ask, she just knew what you needed and when you needed it. I never heard a moan, groan or complaint out of her. She was always smiling and happy and a true joy to be around. Steph will be dearly missed by everyone who knows and loves her. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family during this very difficult time.

Let me see if I can sum up 14 years of friendship with Stephanie:

LOVE, Acceptance, generousity, laughing, crying, girl talking - well mostly Steph talking (hehe), secrets, dance, Dance and more DANCE, weddings, heartbreak, hospital stays, lunch dates, hiking, baby showers, births (Lillie almost being born in the car while I drove her to the hospital), 4th of July, Backstage Theatre shows, watching Nip/Tuck, aging, did I mention laughing?, giving back to others, and our trip to Hawaii just to name a few memories.

 

Steph and I shared a passion and love for artistry, the spirit of Aloha and leaving this world better than you found it. I think she accomplished all these in spades!!

 

I am so proud to call you friend and I will see you again..............

The thing I remember most about Steph was her great personality. She was such a caring and open person that didn't judge others. Whether we were at a school event, a game, or at the local grocery store where we worked, she never failed to amaze me with her ability to connect with others. There aren't many people that have that special quality, but she most certainly did.

Stephanie was my co-worker in the Summit County Planning/Engineering Department for 10 years.  When I first started, Steph and I shared what everyone fondly refers to as "the closet" together.  We worked in very close quarters, but I thought it was the best location in the office.  While most of those 40 hours a week were spent working, Steph and I also talked alot about life, love, family and friendship.   I know that Stephanie loved her role in the County's development review process.  She cared deeply about protecting Summit County's prestine environment.  She took several courses on wetlands and was always so thrilled when she identified a new plant in the field.  Her passion and enthusiasim for anything she cared about was always readily apparant. 

 

Steph was also my wedding photographer.  She offered this service as a wedding gift to my husband and I and our pictures are beautiful.  After the ceremony, she made sure that everyone got together for a group photo.  While there were a few groans and grumbles from guests, I have to say that this is one of my favorite pictures from the wedding day. 

 

Steph was always willing to help anyone one out.  Never did you feel that there was the least bit of reservation when she offered.   Steph was always an instant friend to anyone she met.  There were no walls or boundaries with her.  She opened her arms and her heart freely to anyone that was lucky enough to meet her. 

 

She's a pure soul.  I love her and will miss her dearly every day.  My heart goes out to her family.  I know that your lives will forever be altered by the loss of a mother, wife, sister, daugther, and true friend.