Bonnie Bosacker, age 99, of Billings formerly of Miles City passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at Billings Clinic in Billings, MT.
Bonnie was born September 10th, 1923 to Matilda Cathern (Kitty) and William H. Timberman, on the family homestead north of Miles City, Custer County, MT, the youngest of eight children. At the age of two, the family moved to the original L.A. Huffman home and studio at 1105 Leighton Blvd. in Miles City. At the age of sixteen she was working for J.C. Penney Co., graduated from Custer County High School in May 1941 and shortly after that went to work for the Mountain Bell Telephone Company.
On May 29th, 1942 she married classmate Randall Mills, who at the time was employed in the heavy equipment department at the Milwaukee Railroad. During the early years of World War II, he was the youngest shovel operator employed by the railroad; they lived in a boxcar and traveled the Milwaukee from Seattle, WA to Mobridge, SD. Together they experienced a variety of lifestyles from Indian reservations to mountains to plains. They once lived so high in the Cascade Mountains that they could look down on top of a rainbow and not see where it ended in the valley below. Daily, they heard the sonic booms of the planes leaving Boeing air field. In March 1947, Randall went to work for L.P. Anderson and in 1956 the family moved to Glendive where he was in charge of operations for the company. The two raised six children: Gordon (Karen), Karen, Scott (Ann), Kitty (Ray), Craig (Marsha) and Mary, on a small farm just west of Glendive. Randall was killed in a heavy equipment accident in October 1963.
In Glendive, Bonnie worked as a secretary for the United Methodist Church and after all the children married and left home, she took a job in Billings as a bookkeeper for Higgenbotham Jewelers and later went to work as a secretary for the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, where she met Kenneth Bosacker, a building contractor and retired Greyhound driver. The two were married on December 17th, 1977 and she gained two more daughters: Kim (Robin) and Rose. In 1988 they built a new home in Dean, Montana in the beautiful Beartooth Mountains. While living there, they were active in The Nye Community Church which Ken helped build. Ken was the “official” greeter of the church every Sunday and Bonnie played the organ. In 1996 they moved back to Billings to be close to a medical center.
Her last 10 years and 100th Christmas were spent at Sweetwater Retirement Community in Billings, where she was loved and cared for by the staff that became like family.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husbands Randall Mills and Kenneth Bosacker, four brothers, three sisters and a grandson. She is survived by her children, 15 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday February 15, 2023
First United Methodist Church
24 North 11th Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday February 15, 2023
First United Methodist Church
24 North 11th Street
Miles City, MT 59301
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Kathy Ohnstad Waldo says
I have wonderful memories of Aunt Bonnie, more like an aunt than the great-aunt that she was. She made me try everything on the table and called me out when I tried to sneak the jello aspic on by. Sending prayers of comfort to the Mills cousins as they celebrate the amazing life she lived.
Kathy Timberman Adolph says
Although a cousin of our dad, she was “Aunt Bonnie” to my brother Bill and me. She always kept in touch with us after Dad (Shorty Timberman) passed away and that kept us up with the Miles City cousins activities. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. My prayers are with all of you.
shirley t mansfield says
I will forever remember her. She amazed me each time I stayed overnight with Karen when we were teens. Her lovely singing in the kitchen in the morning while raising a houseful of kids, mourning the death of her husband at a young age. So sorry for your loss, Karen, Gordy and family..
Rose Bosacker says
Bonnie became my mom when I was 16 and she married my father, Ken Bosacker. Initially, I was resistant to her presence in my world, like most teenagers adjusting a father’s new wife. Yet Bonnie remained consistently kind-hearted and gracious towards me. It wasn’t until I became a mother myself 4 years later that I was able to truly appreciate and understand her unconditional love. She was so much more than a “step-mother” to me! Never, not once over the 45 years that she was in my life, did she ever introduce me as her “step-daughter”, or “Ken’s daughter”. I was her daughter. Her presence in my life was a blessing and her love and kindness made me a better person! I shall always miss her deeply and dearly!
Sharon Sampson says
Wishing my deepest sympathy to all Bonnie’s family and especially to the Mills children and grandchildren. Keep your memories of her close to your hearts. My prayers are for peace at this difficult time. ❤️
Joyce Timberman Felstehausen says
As cousin Jim Timberman said when I told him of Aunt Bonnie’s passing, “This is a hard one”. How do you capture the essence of dew drops on roses, the moon moving across the night sky, a Montana sunset, trees dancing in the wind, a gently breeze wafting by her swing on her balcony… How do you capture her loving spirit, wise advice, and love of America? She loved beauty, saw the magic in God’s world, and dedicated her lift to mission. She had a positive impact on her extended family and as Jamie said so beautifully she made sure each of us knew without a doubt that we were loved. Her spirit is now with us in the sunshine, moonlight, the flowing of the river… She will always be with in our minds and in our hearts. Rest on peace, faithful servant.
Suzanne South says
My Sincerest sympathy To all of my Mills cousins and families. I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom and my Aunt. God bless you . I love you all.
Patti Dundas says
I first met Bonnie and her family when she wanted to sell
Her home in Billings. She was such a sweet lady and so
Knew what she wanted. Over the years I got to meet her daughters here in Billings and her son Craig and his wife
Bonnie you were a joy and I am so glad I got to know you and your family. You are with Jesus now and
A new journey . God bless your family , I am sending my love to you . Patti Dundas
Love Patti Dundas