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Mysterious Death Is Tragedy For Stephanie's Family

Friends and family remain heartbroken over the death of Stephanie Roller-Bruner. The Summit County mother of three went missing Nov. 22. Her body was found in the Blue River Nov. 26.

An autopsy has been completed on the 41-year-old, but authorities said what caused her death may take weeks to determine.

"I've been in somewhat of a fog myself, it's because of the emotions that have happened," said Aaron Roller, Stephanie's brother.

Her family said when searchers found her body, it was a mixed blessing.

"The facts were coming and that was actually the best relief of all, because I can tell you that there was going to be four feet of snow. I mean, we might not have found her until April or May. That would have been horrible." said Roller.

In the same building where her search party was formed, a memorial service will be held for Stephanie Thursday evening.

"Other than mourning her passing, we are celebrating the time that we got to share with her," said Roller.

"Stephanie was a beautiful person. She never lost her temper. She was always giving of herself," said Stephanie's best friend Jennifer Voxakis.

Tomorrow's memorial at the Silverthorne Pavilion could be standing room only.

She's being remembered fondly. A dance instructor, a dedicated mother of three, and a close friend.

"We all believed that this was the last person we would think this would happen to because she was the best of all of us," said Voxakis.

For her family, this is the beginning of the healing, but they say they still need to know how Stephanie died.

"They're doing an investigation to find out what happened to my sister. It's a big mystery to all of us," said Roller.

Authorities haven't said whether they suspect foul play in Roller-Bruner's death.

Her husband reported her missing Nov. 23 when she didn't return after leaving home the night before. Her family has said the mother of three was laid off from her job in October and filed for divorce Nov. 1.

Friends have set up a fund for Stephanie's children called the "Bruner Children's Fund." Donations are being accepted at any Wells Fargo Bank account number 6403818534. Donations can also be made online.

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