Bonnie Kay Wahl Viall went to be with her Lord and Savior on the morning of April 19, 2023 after a long and brave battle with dementia. Her family was by her side. She was 85 years old.
Bonnie was born in a shanty town called Park Grove near Fort Peck, MT on December 22, 1937 to Robert and Mildred Wahl. Her father, grandfather and uncles were involved in the building of Fort Peck Dam. She was the third of six children and the oldest girl. Her family moved to a farm near Circle, MT when Bonnie was young, and she graduated from McCone County High School in 1955.
Bonnie attended The Presentation School of Nursing in Miles City, MT and it was at a dance during that time that she met H.B. “Brownie” Viall. They were married after she graduated with her R.N. in 1960. They moved to a farm in Kinsey and were successful farmer/ranchers for many years.
Bonnie and Brownie were very active in the Kinsey Church and Bonnie was a member of the Ladies Aid. Bonnie spent many years as a Sunday School teacher and Superintendent. She was instrumental in introducing many children to the Lord. As long as she was able, Bonnie was a faithful member and regular attendee of the First Baptist Church in Miles City.
She enjoyed doing volunteer work. She said she was happiest when she was helping someone else.
Bonnie loved her Lord, her family, and her favorite neighbors, the Dusatko family. She enjoyed playing with her grandkids and great grandkids, and if she was sitting down, she was crocheting or doing a crossword puzzle. She took great pride in her beautiful yard and flower garden and spent many hours caring for them. Bonnie loved all animals. She was very fond of dogs and had several that she loved over the years. There were always lots of cats around as well.
Bonnie returned to nursing later in her life and she worked for several years at Friendship Villa. She and Brownie retired and spent a few years enjoying travel with their fifth wheel trailer before Brownie died in 2003.
When she was asked what she wanted people to remember about her Bonnie said, “That I have accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior and look forward to being with Him for all Eternity.”
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents and husband Brownie, as well as her brothers, Gary and Bill and her sister Betty.
Bonnie is survived by three children – Tracey Viall (Steve Friebel), John Viall (Jane) and Christine Young. She was very devoted to her grandchildren, Jessica and Christian, as well as her step-grandchildren Alisha (Chris), Tessa (Paris), and Clay, and her 9 step-great grandchildren.
Memorials may be sent in Bonnie’s honor to The First Baptist Church or to a charity of one’s choice.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 30, 2023 with family receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A funeral service will be held on Monday, May 1, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Sunday April 30, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Monday May 1, 2023
First Baptist Church
914 Palmer Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service
Following Funeral Service
Monday May 1, 2023
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following Graveside Service
Monday May 1, 2023
The First Baptist Church
914 Palmer Street
Miles City , Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Sunday April 30, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Monday May 1, 2023
First Baptist Church
914 Palmer Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service
Following Funeral Service
Monday May 1, 2023
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following Graveside Service
Monday May 1, 2023
The First Baptist Church
914 Palmer Street
Miles City , Montana 59301
Share
Shirley Rolf says
So sorry for your loss.
Richard and LInda Meidinger says
So sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace. Family is on our thoughts and prayers.
Lou Schield says
So sorry to read this! She was always so nice to me when i lived there.So sorry again
Sheila Hansen says
The girls and I are so sorry for your loss. We so enjoyed going over to see Bonnie and chat with her. She was a wonderful lady. Our prayers are with you all.
Burl Mulkey says
Sorry for your loss
Mike & Myrna Higgins says
prays and sympathy for the family’s loss of a special lady
Ruben and June Opp says
To all of Bonnie’s family, We are so very sorry to hear about Bonnie’s passing. What a precious soul she was. Have known Bonnie for many years,she will be missed so very much
Our thoughts and prayers are that God will bless and comfort you all during these days and the days ahead.
Ruben and June Opp
Deb & Bob Hagemeister says
John, girls and families. So sorry for your loss! Always enjoyed our visits. Take care. Deb & Bob
Cindia Ellis says
My condolences to Bonnie’s family on her passing. I was so blessed to work with Bonnie as a nurse. Such a kind and gentle person with a gift of making sure each resident knew that they were loved as well as cared for. Quite the lady. May your sweet memories carry you through this time of loss.
Helen J Deines says
So sorry to hear this, but Bonnie is now back to her ‘normal’ of being everyones’ care giver. I will never forget her kindness the day Mom and I sat with my Dad during his final hours. Bonnie you were a blessing to the communitee , RIP Love, Helen Johnsen Deines
Nancy Orthman says
Prayers for her family. I always remember visiting with her and Brownie in the Kinsey church when Bud and I would visit Kinsey. May she rest in peace.
Janice Rivers says
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful friend who kept in touch throughout the years. She was a kind and caring woman who always thought of others first. She will be greatly missed. I love the beautiful afghan she made for me and read the “Jesus Calling” devotional book she sent me every morning. I know she loved the Lord and is now with her husband Brownie. She will be greatly missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you in your loss.
Roberta Carlson says
With fond memories of my years in nursing training at the Presentation School of Nursing in Miles City. It was a three year program to get our RN, and she and I were usually roommates. She spoke so lovingly of her family and siblings in Circle during that time. I especially remember rooming with her for three months the summer of1959 in Denver where we did our pediatrics rotation. Brownie visited her and we were able to see some of the mountain sights. Precious memories.
Jackie Armstrong says
Thinking of you and your family, John. Cherish the happy times
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
I will always remember Bonnie as a very sweet little lady. I have very fond memories of those faithful Kinsey Community Church members. My sincere sympathy to all the family.
Bill and Sheryl Cathey says
We got to know Bonnie when she was at Cottonwood Care Home. Bonnie became a very good friend to our mother, Gertie Fruit. Though Bonnie was at Cottonwood to be cared for, she was still giving care to others. The caregiver came out in Bonnie the way she looked after Mom. Bonnie provided friendship and comfort to Mom that was easily seen and always appreciated.
Rest in Peace Bonnie!
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
John, So sorry about your Mother. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Patsy & Mike Davis says
John and family,
So, so sorry for your loss of your sweet Mom.
Our sincere sympathy, Patsy & Mike Davis
Donna Orthman says
To all of Bonnie’s family my thoughts and prayers go out to you. She was a very kind person. I don’t ever remember seeing Bonnie angry. May you keep special memories of her in your heart.
Donna Orthman
Kistia Johnson-Golie says
John and Family so sorry for your loss! Please accept my condolences! Take care
Floyd & Myra Gabel says
So sorry for our loss. But Bonnie is free now. Prayers are with you.