After a long, courageous battle with cancer, Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Perusich passed away at home in the presence of her family on July 23, 2021.
The 6th child born in a family of ten, she was born on September 29, 1943 in Altus, Arkansas to Mike and Fannie Leding. Her father worked in mines throughout the US; and the family eventually made Montana their home.
As a teen, she was involved in a car accident which severely injured her right hand. The family could not afford the surgeries needed, so she took it upon herself to correct things, and in true “Liz fashion”–taught herself to use her left hand–never looking back or feeling sorry for herself.
Shortly after graduating from Butte High School in 1962, she married Jim Ruark and started her family. Between 1962 and 1967, she became “Mom” to Lori, Jim, Scott, and Mark. Raising four children on a waitress’s wage wasn’t easy; but she did it and taught her kids the importance of hard, honest work at a very young age. In all, she worked at numerous establishments in Butte including the Egger’s café; Burger Crown; McDuff’s; and Perkins. After retiring from waitressing, she worked at The Western Meat Block. She never met a stranger and developed many lifelong friendships through her work.
In the early 1970s, she and Jim divorced; but remained friends. In 1974, she married Denny Perusich and had her 5th child–our baby brother, Ralph. She always made sure each of her children were well taken care of and all of their needs were met. Ralphie was the baby of the family and loved very much by his older siblings. His death in 2008 brought much sadness; but like so many times before, we looked to our mom for strength and guidance and found it. We always counted on her to be our rock. Each time, she came through. She will be so missed.
After Denny passed in 2005, Liz found a very special relationship with Jim Steber. Jim and Liz were able to travel together and enjoy life. Our family thanks Jim and his family for being so good to her and showing her the love and care she deserved.
Liz was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws Ed & Ethel Ruark and Bill & Marge Perusich; husband Denny Perusich; son Ralph Perusich; brothers John, Cletus, Jerry, and Bob Leding; sisters Fran Hubner and Dorothy Minudri.
She is survived by daughter Lori; sons and daughters-in-law Jim & Paula Ruark, Scott & Nancey Ruark, Mark & Marcee Ruark; sister and brother-in-law Barb and Michael Hurley; brothers and sisters-in-law Tom & Sherrie Leding and Jim & Jan Leding. She deeply loved her grandchildren. They are Jim, Beau, and Eddie Ruark; Luke and Michelle Kenworthy; and Ralph’s children Matt, Levi, and Bret. Great-grandchildren are Colton & Kolby Kenworthy and Landon Brill. Liz’s former husband, Jim Ruark survives her; as does her companion Jim Steber and the entire Steber family, including Archie; Denny’s son and daughter-in-law Bill and Lynnelle and their children Jake Perusich and Whitney and Eric Wixsten; great-grandchildren Ella and Wyatt Wixsten; her best friends Rita Vires and Connie Galasso; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation and private family graveside services have taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Butte Food Bank, 1019 E. Second Street, Butte, MT 59701
St. Jude’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105
Butte Unity Truth Center, 300 S. Montana Street, Butte, MT 59701
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Liz.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Liz and her family.
Millie Rigby says
Mark, Marcy and Eddie
Our sincere sympathy to all of you. Liz was a very special lady and I always enjoyed visiting with her whenever we would run into each other. If there is anything we can do for any of you please do not hesitate to call us.
Millie and Dennis Rigby
Betty Brooks says
Liz was special. She was kind, giving, funny, strong, lovely. She is going to be missed & was loved by many who shared her life. There’s a big gap in her family & friends. Her illness did not get the best of her. We did.
Thresa Leding-Shuler (niece) says
My Aunt Liz was like my mom. I love her so much. I so regret the disagreement we had, but we made our way back. Liz taught me so much about life and healing within the family. She was the strongest person I ever knew.
I will forever miss Aunt Liz here on Earth, but I know she will be waiting for me in Heaven!
I am sorry to Jim, Lori, Jimmy and his family, Scott and his family, Mark and his family, along with Ralph’s family. I am also thinking and sending best wishes to, Tom and Sherrie, Barb and her family, Jim Leding and his family,
The greatest lesson I learned from my Aunt Liz is to get along with family and keep moving on. Lessons I intend to follow. I also learned how to be strong. It is hard, but I am trying.
Rest in Peace, Aunt Liz, you deserve it! No more pain.
I love you, now, forever, and always.
Lori e Bridges says
Thank you Theresa she would love that .
Daniel Killoy says
Rest in peace Liz I have many many fond memories of your mother you kids had a wonderful mentor beautiful and kind. Never a time when that woman didn’t have a smile on her face and I’ve seen her mad as hell. Love Danny
Jeanette and Dave Swisher says
We are so sorry for Jim Steber and all of Liz’s family.We loved Liz so much. She was one of a kind. A beautiful soul.
She was a great friend to my sister Judy Bucchi in her last years and I know they are together in heaven.
She raised a beautiful family
Our prayers are with you.
Jeanette and Dave Swisher
Mitchel says
Love and prayers
Pat Kabalin says
Ron and I just learned of Liz’s passing. We are so sad and sorry. She was a beautiful person and we loved her very much. Unfortunately we never really got to know her family, but Denny was my brother. We lived in in California and really never knew the family with the exception of Ralph and his family. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Love Ron and Pat Kabalin
Love Steve & Sandy Perusich says
So sorry to hear of Liz’s passing. We send our deepest sympathies. May she Rest In Peace in the glory of God’s love. You all are in our prayers.
Jessie Hughes says
Sending all our love and many hugs to you all. Liz was a beautiful soul both inside and out. We will miss her dearly.
Love,
Dave, Jessie, Allie and Lexie Hughes
Nicole Donegan says
Liz was such an amazing person. She truly lit up everyone’s day. One of a kind. This made my heart sad. Thinking of all the Ruark’s and their families. Ralph will keep her smiling til we get there, I’m sure. Love you all!
Dina Mellott says
Lori and family, I am very sorry to hear about Liz passing. She was always so much fun to work with at McDuffs and always had such a positive attitude. She knew how to brighten a person’s day. Sending you all my love and prayers. Lori, sending you a big hug and wanting to let you know I miss you. 😘😘
Dina and Shane Mellott
Shelia Schumacher says
shliaschumacher1!950@gmail.com
Carol Rainville says
The entire Steber family will surely miss our much loved Liz. Most beautiful inside n out. RIP in peace n be sure you are so loved
RoseMary E Hayes says
My sympathies to Liz s family. She was a very special lady and friend.
Lori (Steber) Collymore says
My condolences to Lori, Scott , Jimmy, Mark and their families on the loss of your wonderful mother and grandmother. She so loved her family! Kelly , Maggie and I ,as well as our families were so lucky to be considered a part of it.
Liz was such a kind and caring person she never missed a chance to tell you how she felt about you. I always felt so comfortable and loved in her presence.
To my dad , Jim Steber, Liz brought you such happiness for so many years. Thank you for bringing her into our lives. We loved her and we loved that you had her to share your life with. Her passing is a great loss for you (and Archie). May You find peace in knowing that you took such great care of her and find comfort in the many memories of the life that you and she shared.
Jodi says
My condolences to all of you. I met Liz through Ralph and then Nancy. Liz was kind, sweet , funny, & happy go lucky. She always stopped to say hello no matter where I saw her! Hopefully all the memories will help get you through the difficult times.
Jodi Mulcahy-Salcido
john gillespie says
To Scott and family, so very sorry for your loss, John and Pat
Sandy Bowen says
Liz was one of the finest ladies I ever knew!!
What a beautiful person with so much courage!🙏❤️
Chris Leding says
There are people you meet in life who inspire you and in whom you are in awe. My Aunt Liz Perusich was such a person in my life. She was resilient in the face of adversity, accepting, non-judgmental and loving. She had a smile and laugh that was infectious. I know how much I will miss her and can only image how tough her passing is for Lori, Jimmy, Scott, Mark and all of her family. Her last note to me summed exactly how I felt about her –“I love our sharing – so full of understanding and love.” RIP, Liz. I hope you have already been reunited with your beloved Ralph and you brothers and sisters. I love you.
Sherrie Leding says
Liz was one of a kind, who left this world far better for everyone who knew her. If she knew you, she loved you and she saw good in everyone. She pointed out the good she saw in you and she saw what you couldn’t see, yourself. She lightened your load and it was effortless for her. She made you feel special, when really it was her who was special. Tom lovingly made the box that holds her ashes and at her request, the tree of life is inlayed in the top. How fitting that a symbol of eternal life should be what she chose. Not only her memories, but the impact she made on our lives will live on forever. It is our responsibility now to carry forward her gifts.
Andre Martell Boucher says
Liz was a “what you see is what you get” person. She was never fake and was always honest and had a smile for everyone. I’m so happy I met her. She made everyone who came in to her like feel special. Rest easy, Liz.
Scott Paffhausen says
Our deepest condolences to the entire family. Lizzy was a “one of a kind” lady. I always enjoyed running into her….always brightened up your day! Once again we’re very sorry for your loss. Scott & Cindy Paffhausen
Carol and Courtland Barney says
To all of Liz’s family. We are most sorry for your loss. It was a treasure to have know her and her wonderful Mom. She was one truly hard working, funny, smart and sassy woman. What ever was handed to her she, with much kindness and grace she went through. Her example on how to live will be sorely missed.
Jeff Miller says
Lori, Jim, Scott, Mark and family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies in the loss of your mom. Liz was a very kind and caring person and I always remember her having a smile on her face. She was obviously also a great mother as she raised a terrific family. You will all be in our thoughts.
Kathleen says
Liz was a dear friend and neighbor to our family. She was always there with a welcoming smile and a kind word. Liz meant a great deal to our parents and helped them in the final years of their lives. Condolences to the family. You are in our thoughts.
Mike Larsen and Kathleen Garber