Bonnie Smith

A Memorial Mass for Bonnie Smith, 71, of Billings, will be 10:00 a. m. on Friday, September 18, 2015 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Baker. Inurnment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery. A rosary/vigil will take place at 6:30 p. m. , Thursday, September 17, 2015 at Stevenson Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior. Bonnie passed away in Billings, Montana on September 1, 2015. Bonita Rae Hall “Bonnie” was born June 15, 1944 in Baker Montana, daughter of Rushmore and Eulita Hall. Bonnie grew up on the Hall Ranch and attended school in Baker Mt. She graduated a Spartan from Baker High School. After graduation Bonnie went to business school, she then returned to Baker to start her business with a friend called SCAT Answering service which started in her business partner’s basement then moved to the Baker Hotel. Bonnie loved people and it showed with her waitressing skills, and as a great cook. She used both to serve the public, from waitressing as a car hop on roller skates to managing her own establishments (The Blue Room and Talk of the Town in Baker). Bonnie was known for her big heart and even bigger smile. Monte Smith entered her life and they were joined in marriage on November 12, 1964 in South Dakota. To this union they were blessed with three children. The Smith family made their homes in Utah, Glendive and later in Baker and Plevna. Bonnie had a knack for interior design and is well known for her keen sense of decoration, she loved her homes and was proud of the work she put in them. Her home was always filled with a comfort of love, family and friendship. After her children were grown Bonnie then pursued her dream to become a beautician. She moved to Billings to attend Blanco Blanco where she made her dream a reality, graduating and passing her state boards. Bonnie made Billings her home and what a beautiful home it was with the Yellowstone river in her front yard and bird houses and flowers making her little slice of heaven perfect. With country music playing and a jig to be danced, there was never a dull moment. She always had a room open for any family passing through for a visit. As her health began to fail from diabetes she returned to her former passion, waitressing. Her children were there to help her and enjoy what would be her golden years. Her love of family and friends kept her going; not to mention her love of basketball. Bonnie is known very well for her ability to cheer, her excitement and eyes twinkling showed through whether it was a derby, basketball game or just to motivate a loved one. Bonnie’s granddaughter Kytlun and her great- granddaughter Chevy moved in with her to keep her at home as long as they could. Their care and love really put a smile on her face. When her eyesight was nearly gone, she went and lived with her daughter Lisa and Jeff, who cared deeply and lovingly for her until she went into a Home. Bonnie’s greatest love was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bonnie is survived by her three children, Marsha Pence (Cyndy and Lawaina), Lisa Peterson (Jeff) who both reside in Billings and Jason (Michelle) who reside in Baker; grandchildren, Keith (Kelsie) Peterson, Karsten (Sarah) Peterson, Kytlun (Mike) Iversen, Damien Martinez, Tyrell Nelson, Cole Nelson, DesiRae Guse, Jeffery Nelson, Kobe Nelson, Shelby Smith, Turner Smith, Tylar Smith; great-grandchildren, Kelton Peterson, Karter Peterson, Chevelle Gilmore ~ these were the lights of Bonnie’s life. Her beloved siblings, Jack (Lori) Hall of Billings, MT, Kay (Duwayne) Neether of Gillette WY, Winona Moser of Plevna MT, Dave (Lori) Hall and Howard (May-Lynn) Hall both of Baker; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rush and Eulita Hall; brother-in-law, Gene Moser; and nephew, Ricky Neether.


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Burial Date: September 18, 2015
Church St. John's Catholic Church

Memorial Service: Friday; St. John’s Catholic Church, Baker, MT