Dorothy Perkins

Dorothy Marie "Doph" Bruner Perkins, 86, of Bynum, Montana, passed away peacefully in her home on February 6, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Dorothy was born on October 31, 1939 in Conrad, Montana, to Leonard Duane Bruner and Lizzie Marie Raty Bruner. Known affectionately as "Doph," she was the second of nine children and was raised on her Grandfather's Ranch near Dupuyer, Montana, where her early life was shaped by hard work, perseverance, and family. She attended Dupuyer Elementary School as the only student in her grade, reflecting her quiet independence, and later attended high school in Valier.

At a Sadie Hawkins dance, she met the love of her life, Earl Perkins of Bynum. The two were married on July 1, 1956, at the Valier Methodist Church, and began a lifelong partnership on the Perkins Ranch east of Bynum spanning almost seventy years. The union was devoted to hard work and raising a family. When visitors and friends came, they never left hungry. Her house was always clean and ready for company.

In addition to raising her children on the ranch, she stepped up wherever she was needed, operating haying and harvesting equipment, preparing meals for ranch hands, and helping with other responsibilities of ranch life. Though she ended her high school career in order to marry, she was determined to earn her GED and proudly completed it on February 4, 1969.

In 1976, Dorothy began her career with the United States Postal Service. She became a familiar and welcoming face in the Choteau Post Office, where her warm smile and kind spirit made everyone feel valued. In 2000, she became Postmaster in Bynum and retired in 2005 after 29 years of dedicated service.

Dorothy was deeply devoted to her community. She was an active member of the Bynum Civic Club, helping establish the Bynum park and cemetery kiosk, and contributing to numerous community efforts. She played a key role in organizing the 1989 Teton County Centennial Celebration and had a special gift for bringing people together. She loved organizing and hosting baby showers, bridal showers, as well as decorating for weddings, receptions, and countless gatherings-always giving her time and talents wherever she was needed. Serving others was simply who she was.

To her grandchildren, she was safety and comfort. She was bedtime snuggles, laughter-filled scavenger hunts, horseback rides on old Smoky, and jumping on the trampoline. She had a way of making each grandchild feel cherished.

Dorothy never sat still for long. Even when she was tired, she kept going - never just walking but running to the next task. Many would say that she was a whirlwind of motion. Her faith in Jesus was of utmost importance to her which brought her hope and purpose. She deeply loved her sisters and close friends and was kind to everyone she met.

Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void, her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she raised. She looked forward to seeing Jesus and hearing Him say - "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Dorothy is survived by her children, Vicki (Marvin) Baker of Bynum, MT and Rock (Janeil) Perkins of Pendroy, MT; her grandchildren, Stephanie (Trig) Zwerneman, Loni (Ross) Judisch, Whitney (Matt) Caldarone, Lee (Taylor) Perkins, Mary (Tyler) Youdarian, and Matt (Kara) Baker; and 17 beloved great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Myrna (Vern) Monroe, Patricia (Joe) Lewis, and Aletha (Lyle) Woelich.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Perkins; her parents, Duane and Lizzie Bruner; her granddaughter, Kelly Baker; her sisters, Linda Curtis and Sharlin (Jack) Arnst; and her brothers, Doug (Trudy), Gerald (Marla), and Rodney Bruner.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Living the Word Church in Choteau, Montana.