Interment: Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison at 2 p.m.
Bonita Rae Bonni Schilling, 75, passed away July 24, 2010 at home with her loving family at her side after a lengthy respiratory illness.
Bonni (Nordine) was born on September 12, 1934 in Breckendridge, MN to Catherine (Rena) (McLean) and Elmer Nordine. She graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1952. Bonni continued her education at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, N.D, where she met her soul mate, Clarence (Clair) Schilling.Bonni and Clair married in 1956 at the American Lutheran Church in Billings, where they resided for fourteen years. During their time in Billings, they began their family and were blessed with three children: Kristin, Mark, and Jason. Bonni cherished these years as a stay-at-home mom. She also became an accomplished bridge player, enjoying weekly bridge games with her friends. The family transferred to Helena in 1970 where Bonni later became employed by Montana Education Association, retiring in 1995. She thoroughly enjoyed her 19 years of dedication and loyalty to MEA and the long lasting friendships she built and carried on. Bonni enjoyed camping yearly in Yellowstone National Park and took multiple family trips to Minnesota and South Dakota to visit parents. After retirement, Bonni and Clair wintered in Arizona where she enjoyed the sunshine and hot weather. Bonni was a delightfully intelligent lady well versed on current events, especially politics. She also loved to watch all sports, in particular NBA basketball.
Her children and grandchildren were her greatest pride and will be the legacy she leaves behind. Her beautiful smile and gentle way showed she was at great peace when surrounded by them. Bonni was always an active listener, her children and grandchildren were able to approach her with any topic. One of Bonnis many passions and gifts was singing and playing the piano. She received great joy from singing at wedding ceremonies or with family and friends.
Bonni is preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Rena Nordine.
Bonni is survived by her best friend and husband of 53 years, Clair Schilling; daughter Kristin Thompson of Helena, MT; sons Mark (Judy) of Scottsdale, AZ; Jason (Danielle) of Helena, MT. Bonni is also survived by her adoring grandchildren Danny, Michael, Amanda, Josh, James, Keeli, Mark, and a great granddaughter, Paityn Rae expected in August. Additional survivors include Bonnis brother, Robert Nordine (Patty) of Reynolds, ND, many nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as extended family, close lifetime friend Neoma Laken of Breckenridge, MN and a cousin who was like a sister, Joanne Jone's of Tucson, AZ.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 29, 2010 11:00 am at Our Redeemers Lutheran Church, 1400 Stuart Street, Helena. Family interment will take place at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison at 2 p.m. Memorials may be sent to Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison, PO Box 5715 Helena, MT 59604 or Our Redeemers Lutheran Church building fund 1400 Stuart Street, Helena, MT 59601 or charity of the donors choice. Local arrangements are under the direction of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
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