Bernice Elizabeth Cozzens, Rooney, Shafer was born to Robert H and Edna (Danklefsen) Cozzens on November 29, 1937 in Jordan, MT. She was the 2nd child of four children, Earl, Dorthy and Linda.
She attended Duck Creek Country School through the 8th grade, then went to High School in Jordan at Garfield County High School, living in the Dormitory all four years graduating in 1955.
It was there that she found her love for music, by playing the High School Band. She played all her instruments by ear, never learning to read music. She played the electric guitar, rhythm guitar, accordion, piano, keyboard, trumpet, and other assorted instruments. She played for many High School and Dorm dances with Ron and Irene Saylor and her sister Dorthy.
After graduation she moved to Miles City and went to work for Coast to Coast. It was here that she met her husband, Larry R Rooney. They married February 24, 1960. They took their honeymoon in Key West, FL touring the Everglades and Daytona Beach. They returned home to the ranch on Beaver Creek to -35’ temperature. To this union they had 4 children: Ron, Lori, Cindy and Don.
Larry and Bernice both enjoyed going to rodeos, bowling, square dancing and ballroom dancing. She learned to be a Square Dance caller, calling for many dances in the surrounding communities. She traveled many miles hauling kids down the rodeo trail. She attended the NFR in Las Vegas for 25 years. She went to several state bowling meets during her bowling career. She never missed a Bucking Horse Sale her entire life, and was an avid horse racing fan.
After Larry passed away she met a close friend, Louie Talcott and they spent many years in Yuma, AZ as snowbirds. She organized jam sessions for all the years they were there and enjoyed playing in all of them. After Louie passed away she continued to go to Yuma for 3 more years.
A few years later she met Andy Shafer while bowling; they became friends and married Dec 1, 2012 in Miles City. They enjoyed 6 wonderful years together going to the Medora musical, dancing, watching Don bowl and play basketball, and watching the grandkids rodeo, play basketball. Occasionally they would have a bowling get together and watch the grandkids enjoy bowling like she did. She also enjoyed going out to dinner with family and friends until the time of her death.
She is survived by her husband Andy, children Ron (Sherry) Rooney, Lori (Kevin) Donnelly, Cindy Marie Rooney, and Don Rooney. Her Grandchildren Keli Rooney of Miles City, Courtney (Walter) Phipps of Jordan, Larry, Riley, Keyan and Dillon Donnelly of Miles City and 1 Great Grandson Aidan Walker of Miles City. Stepchildren Patti Jo Hagen of Henning MN and Robin Schatz of Dickinson, ND and 6 step grandchildren Kristie Noshbish, Elizabeth, Andy Hagen of Minnesota, Jason Jung and Danielle Sakyiamah of Dickinson, ND and Andrea Diede of Dickinson ND, Jim McKenzie and Daniel Donnelly. Also 15 step great grandchildren; and two sisters: Dorthy Ley of Utah and Linda Wolff of Miles City. And numerous nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert & Edna Cozzens, brother, Earl Cozzens, husband Larry Rooney, special friend, Louie Talcott.
A visitation will be held on Monday, April 2, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Son’s Funeral Home in Miles City. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Miles City. Condolences can be made to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire memorials can be made to the Range Riders Museum or a charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday April 2, 2018
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 3, 2018
First United Methodist Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday April 2, 2018
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Tuesday April 3, 2018
First United Methodist Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Karen Barnes says
Sympathy to all of Bernice’s family – you have lost one of the truly good ones. I have known Bernice since high school days and been friends with her. She was always so willing to see the good in everyone and to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it – I will miss seeing her on occasion and visiting with her. God Bless all
Cathy Byron says
Garfield County bids farewell to another one who called it home in years gone by. I’ll always remember her showing her Dad’s bulls and being around horses at the Garfield County Fairs back in the 50s – 60s. My thoughts and prayers are with each one she leaves behind. She deposited goodness in this world and through that leaves a tremendous legacy.
Shorty&Judy Brush says
May God Give each of you Strength now and in the days to come our thought and prayers are with you all shows a awesome lady and will be missed dearly
Pat Smith says
Linda and family, so sorry to hear of Bernice passing, she was such a great lady. I will never see square dancing without thinking of her. Love and prayers. Pat
Kelli Rooney Klein says
So many find memories of Aunt Bernice. She was an awesome woman who was loved by many and will be missed by all. Hugs love, and many prayers to Andy, and to my cousins, Ron, Lori, Cindy, and Don, and the rest of her family. I can’t be there in person but will be there in thought. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Linda Winkley says
So sorry for your loss. She was a fun lady! Loved to dance, have a good time. She will be missed!
Jeff Bilharz says
Sorry for your loss?I sure enjoyed her at all the rodeos! Prayers to all the family!
Tara Bilharz says
Prayers and condolences to all of the family. She will be missed.
Ray&Darla Peaslee says
Ron and family were so sorry to hear if your mom’s passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!!
Tim & Tracy Kiel says
Donny, Ron,Lori & families,
So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Nancy Ellis Simpson says
Bernice gave me so many fond memories the summer I spent with her. Grandpa Sam Cozzens had just passed away, he lived with us. My parents were having a messy divorce and sent me to the Cozzens ranch for the summer. Bernice took me under her wing, caring for me and loving me. I will never forget her.
Lloyd & Norma Gange says
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers to the family. We have many fond memories of Bernice.
Kathi and Randy Pfeifle says
Ron, Sherry, Lori, Kevin, Don, Cindy, Andy and families. I an so sorry for your loss. Aunt Bernice was always so nice to us. I don’t ever remember a cross word from her. I remember her playing her accordion and her laugh. She always made great brownies too! I will miss her greatly. She was a wonderful woman. Lots of love to you all. Thinking of you and praying for you during this difficult time.
Phil and Darlene says
Condolences and Prayers for all of Bernices family She was a great person and will be missed by all who knew her.
Bill and Barb McReynolds says
My cousin Bernice…what a tough lady…a Montana rancher’s daughter with a heart of gold. As a city boy from Wa state Bernice and the Montana family were always the family I admired….you know, the cowboy thing.
I’ll miss Bernice and conversations we had about earlier years in Montana. I know Bernice had faith in the Lord Jesus Christ so we know she is in the Lord’s presence even now. Another reason to rejoice this Easter season. May our faith bring family and friends peace as we grieve the loss of a special lady…my cousin Bernice.
Beth Ann says
Sending and prayers for Bernice’s family. May your memories help you fill the hole in your hearts caused by this loss.
Patti (Green) Ireland says
Good-bye, friend. Bernice was such a good friend for many years to my parents, Lyla and Clifford Green. They loved their winters spent in Yuma. They loved making music. RIP.
Rhonda (Reilly) Anderson says
Thinking of you during this hard time and sending condolences and prayers. Rest in peace, Bernice.
Jessie Beehler says
Andy, Don, Cindy and all of Bernice’s family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to all of you.
Bernice will always be remembered by many at Recreation Lanes for her many years of tearing up the lanes. Rest in peace, dear Bernice.
Sandy McFarland-Hays says
Linda, Harvey and Bernice’s Family, So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers.
Doris Ann and Pius Werlinger says
To the family of Bernice,
Pius and I are so sorry for your loss. We have danced to Bernice’s music for 15 years and have missed seeing her and family. Enjoyed every music jam she put on and we had them come to Spearfish and play for our second wedding anniversary 1996 and had a Blast. She even played for my folks (Clarence & Izola Evenson’s 50th Wedding Annivversary in Speafish in 1994. What fun we all had.
Sending our Deepest Sympathy to All.
Hugs,
Doris Ann and Pius Werlinger
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Our sympathies to all the Rooney Families,
Bernice was such a nice lady, who I met when I was a little girl at a square dance event with my grandparents. I know she is having fun with all her square dance friends in heaven.
God bless you all.
Tim and Cheri Hafla says
Our deepest sympathy to all of Bernice’s Family..
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Kevin says
Bernice will always hold a place in my heart. She is a fine mother and person. I thank her for making Lori the wonderful person she is. Not to mention the rest of the family Andy, Ron, Don and Cindy. May God be with you in your trials of life. Thank you to all her family and friends.
Helen J Deines says
Can never remember a time when Bernice wasn’t around Cohagen dances, and later the First Baptist Church when I would come to Montana to visit my parents. Always good for a hug and a smile. So sorry for your loss, the world lost another good Montana tough woman. Helen Johnsen Deines
Linda Hodgson says
Linda and family, so sorry about Bernice’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers were faith you.
Renee Hubing Solberg says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. May God bless you all.
James Arneson says
Ron and Family, I am sorry to hear of your moms passing. What a wonderful Lady. I met your parents when I worked for Allen next door on his ranch when I was just 14 years old. I always enjoyed seeing your mom and he smile when I would ask how you were doing at the ranch. Memories are such a gift from God, and are treasures of the best of times. May God comfort you and your family now and always.
Flint Fleming says
Thoughts and prayers to the Rooney family
Bert & Helen Woods says
Ron and all of the Family,
Sorry for your loss. I can remember square dancing with you Mom and Dad many years ago. They were both great people. She’s probably calling a square right now. Prayers to all of you.
Dan and Ruth Ferri says
Our hearts go out to you and your family. May your memories bring you comfort .
Sharon & Stan Clelland says
Bernice was a special lady and I enkoyed her at church so much. Stan and I got yo know her through pur music amd played with her at times at the senior center. She will be missed ny alot of people and her friends. Blessings to all of Bernice’s family and friends. May God put his hand on your shoulders through this difficult time.
Debbie Weyer says
I will MISS Aunt Bernice. You could always count on her to be at any event our family had planned, or any activity her kids or grandkids had happening. She WAS our biggest fan!!! I took her out to the cow pasture one time when I still lived at Wibaux & she couldn’t believe how the cows come running when I called them….. she said “ours never did that”… and then she laughed!!!! She loved my kitten “Miss July” because she was a crazy energetic ball of fir…. she’d start to laugh, when she’d tell the story of staying at my house & she’d come screaming around the corner & dash off to the other room as fast as she could…….. I will MISS our meals at the restaurants together & the conversations we had…One of the last conversations I had with her, she asked me how the bulls were doing & how the open house went…She genuinely loved us all & for that, I am eternally Grateful. I will see you again someday Aunt Bernice & give you the hug I should of the last time I saw you….
Slade and Lynnette Bumgardner says
Ron and Family, sorry for your loss. Heaven has received a great soul.
Grant Dilger says
Ron, Lori, Don, Cindy, and Andy, may you find comfort and healing in spite of these difficult days. Aunt Bernice -and Uncle Larry- were remarkably kind, compassionate and generous souls. That gentle nature touched so many of our lives, and is reflected in each of you.
I keep fond youthful memories of summertime trips to the ranch and regular visits whenever you all came to town -often accompanied by beef, venison, a box of chocolates or, as I can still hear Bernice call them, “Della ‘burgers”. And there was that white sweatshirt they brought me back from the Space Needle in ‘62, ironically enough! It’s the little things that combine to make a legacy of kindness.
Beth Riggs says
She was a great lady! We will miss her and her music. Prayers for comfort and peace for the family.
Ruben and June Opp says
To the family of Bernice Schafer,So sorry to hear of Bernice pasing , our thoughts and prayers are with you all.What a lovely lady and dear friend she was, she will be greatly missed .May God bless and comfort you all now and in the Ruben and days to come.
Pam (Moths) Nisley and David Nisley says
Our prayers for comfort for all of you! We are so glad she touched our lives through square dancing, and also as she played music with others at Grandpa Joe Dent’s home in Broadus 🙂 We care, and Jesus cares even more!!
Jan Maddux says
Donnie, I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom. I know she must have been a sweet, wonderful lady to raise such an amazing son like you. May all your memories of her live on in your heart❤ Love you Donnie!
Petey Rojic says
Andy, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to
The family. Bernice helped me learn to bowl and
Between her and Andy I sorta got to figure it out.
She was a very good bowler and we had many
Laughs together on our team.
Will miss her kindness.
Melody says
Andy and Rooney family
I’m so sorry for your loss she had a great smile I’m sending your guys prayers and thoughts and she was a good bowler and I’m here for you guys. Love melody
Don Rooney says
I’m going to miss my mom very much.She wasn’t just my mom she was my best friend.When she would come watch me bowl I’d bowl good in the 200 range,But nowadays since she was in friendship Villa I can barely break 100.But when it thunders now I say there’s mo rolling a strike.She’ll be missed by all.Rest in peace my loving mom as I’ll see you someday.
Barb Shields says
You’ll be missed by so many. As a fellow bowler and team member I’ve known you and Andy for a long time. Prayers to the family.
Leah Burkhart says
My sympathies for all. Bernice is going to be sorely missed I know Britney and myself love Andy and Bernice a lot and was sorry to hear this news as you know I’ve just recently got home from the hospital and I’m still in recuperation but know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Snell says
My sympathies and prayers to you all.
Terry Lynn Minow says
I am so sorry to hear of Bernice’s death. She always had a twinkle in her eye & was ready for fun! She enjoyed life and she passed that gift on to her children. Ronnie, Sherry, Cindy and Donnie, this is a tough time for you. Prayers for all who loved Bernice, that the good memories will bring you comfort.
Terry Lynn Minow says
To Lori & your family, blessings on you and your family.
Bill and Jacob Janssen says
So sorry to hear of your mothers passing. May she rest in peace. My thoughts are with your entire family.
Michele Mickolio says
Bernice was a wonderful woman. I remember when she was our neighbor for a time we always enjoy visiting. Prayers for Pease. Keep her alive and all those wonderful memories. God bless and take care.