Wilma Bonner, 90

Wilma "Billie" A. (Herbold) Bonner, 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on July 21, at Mountain View of Cascadia in Eureka. 

Billie was born April 26, 1936, in Lewistown to William E. and Mary Ann (Langevin) Herbold. She was the sixth child (second girl) out of 12 children. As a child growing up in Lewistown and then in Grass Range, Montana, she experienced the harsh life of the Great Depression and had brothers serve in World War II; the family was deeply faithful, praying daily for their safe return home, which they did. Billie was her mother’s helper in household chores, helping care for and watch over the younger children. The family left Grass Range in 1948 and moved to the Flathead Valley, making their home at Rose Crossing in Evergreen following an older brother who worked on the Hungry Horse Dam and his tales of the fabulous bull trout fishing in the South Fork. Billie attended grade school at Helena Flats and graduated from Flathead County High School on May 26, 1954; she worked summers during her school years at the Cherry Warehouse in Kalispell boxing cherries from the Flathead Lake orchards. After graduation, she enrolled in Modern Beauty Cosmetology School in Missoula, which she wasn't able to complete due to poor health. She returned to Kalispell to work at various businesses such as Hummer's (later Harmon's) ladies clothing store, Pacific Power & Light (Pacificorp), now Flathead Electric and Gary Motors as an office assistant. 

In 1961, Billie met Jerry Bonner at the Blue Moon in Columbia Falls, getting engaged in April 1964 and then married in September 1964 in Kalispell, to which Barbie, Susie and Steve were eventually born. They moved to Eureka in 1966 for Jerry to work for Ken Vincent at Eureka Drug as a pharmacist, with them buying the business in June 1976. Billie was a stay-at-home mom, with interests in doing crafts, collecting cups and saucers, porcelain dolls and listening to music. She enjoyed the outdoors, such as hunting, fishing, and camping and had the good fortune of drawing several moose permits. She was a devout Catholic who lived a life centered on prayer and a deep commitment to Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Eureka. She traveled weekly to visit her sisters and brothers in Kalispell to have lunch and visit. Her home was always open to relatives for a place to stay at any time with compassion and love, she was able to smile no matter what life handed her. She loved all her grandchildren deeply and was happiest when she was spending time with them. 

Billie is survived by her children, Barbie (Butch) Gwynn, Susie (Josh) Benford and Steve (Andrea) Bonner; grandchildren, Paige Pluid-Pisk, Ryan Pluid, Eva, Owen, Jack and River Bonner; plus numerous great-grandchildren. Also surviving her are her two youngest sisters, June O'Connor of Eureka and Janet (Gary) Rose of Kalispell. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Bonner, of 61 years; grandsons, Gage Pluid and Jay Hoover; six brothers, Bill, Leonard, Swede, Merv, Jack and Richard; and three sisters, Karen, Bea and Joan. Her older sister Joan was her best friend growing up and passed at the early age of 19 in 1953. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Stein and the amazing staff at Mountain View of Cascadia for the excellent care of Billie these past four years. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Fortine School, PO Box 96, Fortine, MT 59918, to either the playground or field trip funds. 

A family service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg and Riddle Funeral Home of Eureka. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting schnackenbergfh.com.