Bernice Gregerson

Graveside service for Bernice Gregerson, 98, Billings. MT formerly of Baker, MT will be 2:00 p. m. , Thursday, June 26th at the Bonnievale Cemetery, Baker, MT. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 9:00 a. m. to 9:00 p. m. at Stevenson Funeral Home, Baker. A memorial service in Billings is scheduled for Saturday, July 12th at 3:00 p. m. at Aspen View Retirement Home. Bernice Louella Gregerson died on June 22, 2008, after receiving loving care as a resident at Valley Healthcare Center for seven weeks. A more amazing woman would be hard to find, and for that reason she will be greatly missed. Bernice was born on June 17, 1910, in Stacey, Montana, to Seth and Irene (Kinney) Clark. After graduating from high school in Broadus she went to nursing school in Miles City where she was valedictorian of the class of 1931. She worked as a nurse at Holy Rosary Hospital and Fallon County Hospital for many years. She was a skilled and compassionate nurse and continued to have a healing touch long after she retired. She married Emmett Gregerson on May 5, 1935, and the two shared many wonderful years together until Emmett died on May 7, 1997. Although she and Emmett did not have children, they became an important part of many children?s lives, including numerous nieces, nephews, and the children of friends. Bernice cultivated many lifelong friends whom she deeply loved, including Florence Groshans and Debbie Jordan. Bernice faithfully served her church and the community of Baker and amassed many friends until she fell and broke her hip on September 8, 2001. The ambulance took her to Billings that day and she never returned home again. Those of lesser character might have given up. Not Bernice. She moved to Aspen View Retirement Home and with a great pioneer spirit, she resolutely began the last leg of her journey. Although reserved, she naturally drew others to her. She had a wry sense of humor and was genuinely kind to everyone. She never pitied herself and never questioned God?s plan for her life. She gave thanks to Him in all things. She was a model of dignity, service, and acceptance until the very end. Bernice was diagnosed with cancer in February 2008 and underwent radiation and chemotherapy (at the age of 97). Defying all odds, she was declared cancer-free two weeks ago. But, she opted for an eternal cure, dying without pain and without cancer. We are deeply grateful for the friends and staff at Aspen View, especially Chuck and Joy Kear. Words cannot express our gratitude and admiration for George Eddlemon, who provided a lifetime of care and friendship during Bea?s last year of life. Bernice was preceded in death by her parents and husband, as well as her siblings: Eunice Gomez, Earl Clark, Gordy Clark, Vivian Egan, Albert ?Bud? Clark, and Virginia Grina. Left to appreciate her legacy of wit, common sense, bravery, and faith are her many friends; her sister-in-law, Ruth Clark of Columbus; and many nieces and nephews, including the ?girls? who loved and cared for Bernice in her final years: Heidi (Wayne) Harsha and Becky (Sam) Hubbert of Columbus, and Nancy (Dan) Mortag of Great Falls. Memorials in Bernice?s name may be given to the First Baptist Church in Baker, Fallon Medical Complex, or the charity of your choice.


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Burial Date: June 26, 2008
Funeral Home Baker, MT

Graveside Rites: Thursday, Bonnievale Cemetery