Mona (Neary) Kriskovich, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025.

Mona was born and raised in Butte. She was an only child and shared a close bond with her mother. She enjoyed the unique benefits of being an only child, something her cousins teased her about well into her 80s. Those same cousins, however, were like siblings to her and were known in the family as 'aunts' and 'uncles.'

Mona grew up in Butte's East Side neighborhood, a community rich in Yugoslavian heritage. She attended Grant Elementary and went on to graduate from Butte High School in 1955. Shortly after, she began her career with the Montana Power Company. Following the passing of her father when she was 21, Mona and her mother spent a short time in Milwaukee to be near extended family, but soon returned to Butte, where she resumed her work with the Montana Power Company. She spent her entire professional career at the Power Company, retiring after 40 years of service. Mona was well respected and loved by her colleagues, and many of the friendships she built there remained with her throughout her life.

Mona was blessed with two great loves in her lifetime. She and her first husband, 'Buff', were married on October 30, 1965. They shared 34 wonderful years together until his passing. They were the proud parents of two children, Shawn and Nikki. Together, Mona and Buff created countless memories, from traveling across Montana and beyond to cheer on their children, to attending Montana Power Company parties, to hosting friends and family, and visiting friends near and far. Well known throughout Butte, 'Mona and Buff' left a lasting impression on everyone they met, and they are still fondly remembered today. They truly made the most of the years they had together.

After Buff's passing, Mona reconnected with a longtime friend, Ron Kriskovich, who became the second great love of her life. They were married on December 31, 2005. Ron encouraged Mona to embrace adventure and step beyond her comfort zone, and together they shared many special moments. For several years, they spent their winters in Arizona, though Mona often said the hardest part was being so far from her family. Ron and Mona were nearly inseparable; when you saw one, you usually saw the other. Their relationship was full of loyalty, laughter, and playfulness, and even their disagreements often became a source of amusement for family and friends. In a final gesture of love, Ron played his accordion and sang to Mona as she was called home to God.

Mona was the proud grandma of five and loved each of them with all her heart. Her grandson Brett, lovingly called her "Baba". Brett never failed to bring her joy and laughter, and she loved nothing more than spoiling him the way only a grandma can. Some of their best times were just sitting down to meals together, building a bond that was truly one-of-a-kind and unbreakable. Mona also loved every moment with her Gillette, WY, grandkids — Tyler, Jefferson, Abi, and Kaylie — and cherished every visit. Even when miles kept them apart, she stayed close in spirit, always cheering them on, keeping up with their lives, and faithfully watching their basketball games on her phone. Her love for her family knew no limits, and the love she poured into her grandchildren will always be part of them and part of her legacy.

Mona held her faith close to her heart and was a devoted lifelong member of the Holy Serbian Orthodox Church in Butte. She served for many years on the Church Board and dedicated countless hours volunteering with the Circle of Serbian Mothers' Club. To Mona, the people of the church were truly like family. She was blessed with many special relationships, but one of the dearest was her close friendship with Father Dusan Koprivica, whom she loved deeply. She and Buff welcomed him and his family as their own, and that friendship became a cherished part of her life. An honor especially close to her heart was serving as Kuma to Father Dusan and Patty's daughter, Jovanka.

Outside of her church community, Mona was blessed with lifelong friendships, including one with Margie Schenk that spanned more than 50 years. Their families shared countless good times and memories together. She also shared a nearly 40-year friendship with Sharon Heneghan, one that came to mean so much to her. Margie and Sharon were always by Mona's side, offering love and support until the very end.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Nick and Stella Stepan; her first husband, Buff; and special cousins, Alex Vukovich, John Vukovich and Bibber Delich.

She is survived by her husband, Ron; daughter, Nikki; son, Shawn (Ann); grandchildren Brett, Tyler, Jefferson, Abi, and Kaylie; special cousin Joe Vukovich and his family; cousins Beverly and Jerri; Ron's children Kathy, Joe, Kim, Karen, and Jim and their families; as well as many other beloved cousins and extended family.

A heartfelt thank you to the staff at Big Sky Living for the wonderful care and friendship you gave my mom. I would also like to give special thanks to Honeybee Hospice for the compassion and support you provided to my mom and family during her final weeks.

To honor Mona's memory, donations may be made to the Serbian Orthodox Church or to a charity of your choice.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 14, from 5:00-6:00pm at the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church. Evening Prayer service at 6:00pm. Funeral Services will be conducted on Monday, September 15 at 10:00am.

Vječna ja pamjat, may Mona's memory be eternal in the hearts of her family and friends. We will miss you, Mom!