Bonnie Rae Jerke (Liles) passed away Oct 27,2023 in Billings, MT.
Bonnie was born September 25, 1942, in Terry, MT to Maynard and Gleda Kuehn Liles. She attended a one-room schoolhouse near the family farm on Bad Route, she continued through high school in Terry Montana, staying in town and at the ranch where Brady and Tonya and family reside. In high school, Bonnie was involved in FHA and Pep Club, she was elected Homecoming Queen Attendant her junior year. The slogan she chose for her senior yearbook was ” She is certain to be seen where fun and trouble beam” That held true for Bonnie! Upon graduation from Terry High School in 1961, she went on to complete her nursing degree. She met Daryl Jerke, who spent his summers in Terry helping at his sister and brother-in-law’s farm. (Reuben and Alice Schroeber) They were married June 13, 1964, and moved to Billings, MT. Their son, Ty was born January 30, 1969, the same year they bought their house on Bitterroot Drive. Bonnie remained in her home until her illness forced her into an assisted living facility.
Bonnie had a language of colorful words made up on her own. She was outspoken and told everyone what she thought without hesitation or thinking of the consequences. This trait made her the life of the party or at a social gathering.
Bonnie worked in the respiratory therapy office at Deaconess, now Billings Clinic for approximately 26 years, where she retired and worked part time with home health along with a driver delivering oxygen tanks and checking on vitals for the elderly rural patients for 5 years. Bonnie made many trips to Terry for cattle shipping’s with Mike, Cathy and their kids, Brady, Sheena and Levi. She loved the big Christmas celebrations with Frank and Darlane Pisk, Dale and Jaynee Hellman, Clarence and Violet Kuehn and their families along with the rest of the Pisk/Kuehn bunch. She had great memories of all the northside bunch and the rest of the relatives.
She was raised in the Lutheran faith and after leaving Terry was involved in several Lutheran churches over the years in Billings. Baking for the churches, assisting with meals and attending of many services. Best days of the week for Bonnie included the day she got her hair done and hitting the mall with whatever credit cards could handle her fashion statement. She loved colorful outfits and hitting the town.
Bonnie always opened her door to anyone needing a place to stay or a meal, she loved having people stay as they were passing through. She enjoyed friends in Billings and outings with the “Terry Breakfast Crew” and dining out with many friends such as Clyde, Debbie and Jay.
She was preceded in death by her husband Daryl, mother, Gleda and father, Maynard. Brothers, Michael Kem Liles, (Butch) James Keith Liles and several beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends which includes a very special aunt, Darlane Pisk, who is sorely missed.
Widowed after 47 years, she is survived by her only son Ty Jerke (Peggy) Billings, MT, Granddaughter Hayle and Great Grand Daughter Adylynn in Missoula. Many other relatives include Cathy (Bob) Redland (Sister-in-law) and Mary Ann Liles (Sister-in-Law) Brady Liles (Tonya) of Terry, MT, Sheena Liles Eads (Matthew), Bozeman, MT, Levi Liles (Jacklynn) of Miles City, MT, Nathan (Robin) Liles and Ryan (Sara) Liles.
A Graveside service will take place at the family plot in the Prairie County Cemetery on November 18, 2023 at 11:00 am. Please join the family for a luncheon to follow at the Cameron Heritage following graveside service. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Mary Ann Stockhill Liles says
Ty, Peggy, HayLe and all of Bonnie’s family and friends: This special lady will really be missed. Bonnie was truly the life of any party she attended. Her kindness was everyone’s gift and her sense of humor brightened any gathering. Her door was always open and she and Daryl welcomed us all for overnight stays or dinners on the town or just a burger on the grill. Though she lived in Billings, she called Terry “home” , but now that she flies with the Angels, I’ll bet they wonder what comet rolled into their orbit! RIP, Bonnie. We’ll miss you.
Tony and Sharon Finneman says
Very sad to hear. To Ty and family, you will never get a big lipstick kiss again. She was one of a kind. May she be leaving big lipstick kisses in heaven. God bless.
Alice M. Kranzler says
Bonnie was one of a kind. She and I had a lot of fun times together in Terry and in Dickinson. She brought fun and laughter wherever she was. We stayed with her and Daryl a few times when we were in Billings. I remember my girls really liked visiting them. They got a kick out of her telling Ty to tie his shoes. She will be missed by so many people.
Delwin Kranzler says
Bonnie was one of a kind as many have said. She did like to have fun, but was also kind to people. Several people from N.E. Mt. that were in the hospital in Billings for serious health issues, when they recovered would tell how kind Bonnie was, and how good her care was.
Rest in peace Bonnie
Delwin Kranzler says
Bonnie was one of a kind as many others said. She liked to have fun, but was kind to people. Several people from N.E. Mt. who were in the hospital in Billings told how kind she was to them, and also how good her care was.
Rest in Peace Bonnie.
Delwin Kranzler says
Bonnie liked to have fun, but was kind to people. After people were in the hospital in Billings several told about how kind she was to them, and how good her care was. Rest in Peace Bonnie.
Perry Hallford says
Ty, Peggy and family. Bonnie was a very special person. If she was in the room you knew it, or the the building for that matter.Sending my love, my thoughts and my prayers, to all of the family. Rest in Peace, my friend.
Rick Bender says
Knew and like Bonnie. Worked at Deaconess/BC for many years.
Sheila Rockman says
i knew Bonnie when we
Both worked at Deaconess Hospital many years ago! She was always fun and Kind! A great Lady!❤️
Gayle Ellis says
I knew Bonnie in 1968 at the hospital. Always loved her enthusiasm. ran into her this summer & we recognized each other!! still had that enthusiasm!! Prayers for all of you.
Karen Ericson says
Ty, Peggy and family,
I was saddened to see your mother, Bonnie, has passed away. She and I worked together at Deaconess hospital in 1987 when I first moved to Billings. Bonnie was a very caring Respiratory Therapist. I spent much of my orientation time with Bonnie as she was very knowledgeable and willing to share her experience with others to provide the best patient outcomes possible. Bonnie was a great mentor, RT, and friend. She was so welcoming and represented the hospital positively. Of course, her and I each had a son that we compared notes about too! I am sure she is very happy to be with Daryl again. Bonnie was such a gift in the way she treated others. Thanks for sharing her with me, Ty. She was a wonderful, special lady!
Tim and Diane says
Bonnie was a real hoot! She was the life of any gathering she attended. You will be missed Bonnie!