Bernice Imogene Eaton Canon, age 95, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at the Powder River Manor in Broadus, Montana.
She was born on November 2, 1919 to Lena Grace Allen Eaton and John William Eaton, Jr. at Moorcroft, Wyoming. She spent her younger years as an only child growing up on a homestead at the head of Dry Creek, just over the Wyoming line.
Bernice had a lifelong love of animals which came from her closeness to her pets as she was growing up. As a young child, her favorite was her Shepherd dog named Jack. From the early days of her marriage and continuing for the next 65 years, there were always one or two dogs or cats to be company for the family.
Bernice rode horseback to school 2 ½ miles northwest of their homestead at the Dry Creek School on the Montana-Wyoming line. She went to the same school for ten years, taking eight grades, then two years of correspondence courses for high school. She attended her junior and senior years in Gillette. While attending school in Gillette, she worked on the National Youth Administration Project. After school and on Saturdays, she worked at the Campbell County Memorial Library, or the County Treasurer’s office. She took some Normal Training courses so she could teach school. Her first teaching job was the school year of 1938-1939 at the Bitter Creek School above Lloyd Cain’s place in Northern Wyoming. Her first pay check was $90. The following summer she attended summer school at Laramie, WY for 12 weeks, then later attended Spearfish Normal College. The 1939-40 school year was spent at the Smith School at Spotted Horse. In 1940-41, Bernice again taught at the Bitter Creek School, earning $125.00 per month.
Bernice and Filmore Burton Canon met at a family wedding dance, and then married on June 28, 1941. When Filmore was called to military service, she relocated to the Eaton ranch near Biddle, Mt. to raise her family while Filmore was in Europe. They eventually had five daughters and one son, and she devoted herself to their upbringing, teaching moral values, basic skills, reinforcing formal education and providing Mother’s support. Bernice instilled in her children and grandchildren the love of home and family, the ability to work, the love of music, and the love of our great country.
Filmore and Bernice moved the family to Broadus in 1956, where Bernice cultivated many levels of community involvement. She was a longtime and loyal contributor to the V.F.W. Women’s Auxiliary, holding various offices and providing organizational and leadership support, as well as advocating strongly to attract new members for the organization. She was a correspondent for the Powder River Examiner for many years. She also submitted items for a short time to the Miles City Star. She combined her love of sewing and quilting with her enjoyment of social gatherings by organizing the long-running “Stitch and Chatter Quilt Club” in 1983. She was a lifetime card-player, whether it was a few games of cribbage with select visitors, a family game of “Hand and Foot”, or a “500 Club” round of tables. She was also involved with 4-H and Rifle Club.
It was always important to Bernice to open her home to family and friends alike. Whenever someone showed up, they were welcomed to share a meal. Her home was the central gathering place for many family gatherings: Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries or just because a family member was in town for a visit.
Bernice is survived by her husband of 73 years, Filmore Canon; her children: Catherine Ruland of Broadus, MT; Mary (Neal) McCormick of Idaho Falls, ID; Patsy Ridenour (John Nowitzki) of Broadus, MT; Bonnie (Stan) Lyman of Eagle, AK; Pamela Knowles of Belgrade, MT; and William D. (Linda S. Merchant) Canon of Broadus, MT; eleven grandchildren: Tracey (James) Gorder, Bunnie Davis (Clay Starck), Ginger (Cliff) Bird, Jay (Susan) Knowles, Kory (Carol) Knowles, Justin (Tiara) Knowles, Seth Knowles, Mike Ruland, Pat (Kate) Ruland, Rich (Jen) Ruland, and Kristin Lyman. Bernice has seventeen great grandchildren, and a fifth-generation great-great granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons-in-law, Jack A. Ridenour and Wade D. Ruland, and one infant granddaughter, Margaret Lyman.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 5, 2015, 10:00 a.m. at the chapel of Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home at Broadus. Immediately following a luncheon will be served at the VFW Hall with graveside services being held at the Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery in Miles City at 2:00 p.m.
The family wishes to thank the many kind and caring staff at the Powder River Manor for helping to make her final years comfortable and secure.
Memorials may be given to the Henry Malley Memorial Library, Powder River Manor or to the V.F.W. Auxiliary.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 4, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, MT
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Thursday February 5, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, MT
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Thursday February 5, 2015
Eastern Montana Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 4, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, MT
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Thursday February 5, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Broadus, MT
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Thursday February 5, 2015
Eastern Montana Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, MT
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Carol Schneidt says
Canon Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Lisa Gaskill says
So very sorry to hear of Bernice’s passing. I will miss her face at the manor.
Skin and Betty Collins says
Hugs and prayers to all the Canon family. Bernice will be missed by many. Loved visiting with Filmore and Bernice when I was allowed to go into the Manor. GOD Bless all of you at this difficult time.
Quirt and Jaci Phillips says
We are remembering what a grand lady she was. Thinking of you all.
Julie and Kurt Collins says
So sorry to hear of Bernice’s passing. She was a grand lady and will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Jackie & Joe Schneidt says
Thinking of you at this difficult time. Your mother was a very nice lady. Our thought and prayers are with you all. Jackie ( Beltz ) Schneidt
Julie Gatlin and Kenny Gress says
Thoughts and prayers for all the Canon family.
Don & Linda Nybakken says
Thoughts and prayers for all of you Canon family members. Bernice was always a positive force in the community, a lady to admire.
Carmen Knutson says
Sending my deepest sympathy and hugs to all or you. I so enjoyed visiting with Bernice. We talked history, family and quilts! She had an amazing life. Cherish your memories.
Vanna Lancaster Byrd says
I have certainly missed seeing Bernice at the Cashway the past few years. She was always thoughtful and would always inquire how my family was doing. She really cared and we really enjoyed the pictures of Leonard that she gave us from Halloweens when he would stop over at their house to trick-or-treat. Our prayers are with you all.
Vanna, Harvey & Leonard Byrd and Mary Lancaster
Jim Moutrey says
Bill & sisters, your Mom will be missed and I remember today what a fine lady she was!
Serena & Wayne Wetherelt Jr. says
To the Canon Family
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Bernice was always a kind and thoughtful person. I know she will be missed by all of you. May you find comfort in the many memories she created for all of you.
Rita Hanley says
What a nice lady! So kind-hearted and she and Filmore were a great team! Thoughts and prayers to her family.
Joyce Eaton says
So sorry to read of Bernice’s passing in the Gillette paper. My sympathy to all of you. Would love to see you all again. Time passes so fast.
Joyce Eaton
Keri McLane McCoy says
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Jay, Susan, Morgan, Erica, Rebecca (and Ian & Kira) y’all are in our thoughts and prayers. May God’s loving arms be your comfort. Sending our love from Texas. We are Morgan’s in-laws. Keri & Steven McCoy.