Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes

Serving families in the Miles City, Forsyth, Lame Deer, Broadus, Circle, Jordan and Terry areas for three generations.

For Immediate Help Call
Miles City: 406-232-4457 — Forsyth: 406-346-2311

In Memory Of

Ellen “Nonie” Zook, age 81, of Miles City.

December 13, 1940 – February 16, 2022

Ellen Rae (Nonie) Beardsley Zook was born to John and Ella Beardsley on Friday, December 13, 1940 at the Mrs. Abby’s Hospital in Miles City, Montana. One of nine children, Nonie was known for her wit, empathy, and pragmatic wisdom.

Raised on a ranch near Ismay, she was truly a farmer’s daughter and was no stranger to hard work. Her life in education began the day she rode double on a horse with her brother Pat to attend the one room Cottonwood School.

After finishing grade school, she stayed with her oldest sister Joanne and her husband Ray Perkins for high school.  During this time she met Bill Zook, a friend of her brother Pat. On a bet, she asked him out on a date. She never did figure out if she won or lost that bet.

After high school, she obtained her two year teaching certificate, and taught in Broadus and Miles City. Bill and Nonie were married on June 17, 1961, and later they moved to Bozeman while Bill got his college degree. Nonie cooked a lot of meals for hungry college boys to make a little extra money for their growing family.

Mike, their oldest son, was born nearly on their first anniversary. Monica, their oldest daughter, was born almost a year later. Monica was nice enough, and they decided to have a few more. In 1967, Mike and Monica suffered both chickenpox and the arrival of their sister Mardee! Matthew, Mark, and Murray rounded out the 1970s. They quit once they finally thought they got it right.

While Bill taught in Broadus and Miles City, Nonie raised her kids, was active as a 4-H leader, freelanced for a newspaper, and enjoyed her large extended family life.  She ran a private kindergarten for several years. They subsequently had a hog and cattle operation at Moon Creek.

In the mid 1980s they moved back to Miles City. Nonie finished her Bachelor’s degree in Education. She was elected as the Custer County Superintendent of Schools and served for 20 years. Nonie evolved from that little girl on horseback to the lady who visited the rural schools and brought treats to kids all around the county.

She enjoyed dancing with Bill, card games, and all of her wonderful plants and gardens. In a metaphor of who she was, she also loved the cactus. The chaos of her family was music to her ears. She could organize a dance or wash a pig or create a school budget. To say we will miss her is a vast understatement.

She was preceded in death by her son Matt, who died in a car accident in 2000.  His death left a hole in her heart that never healed. She lost two grandchildren at birth, Joshua and Hailie.  She was also preceded in death by her siblings; David, Pat, and Mary Lee.

Nonie fought health issues in her later years.  After a valiant fight in which she never quit, she ultimately passed away from complications from a heart attack on February 16, 2022. She never lost her humor. The staff at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings treated her and the family with great dignity and care in what proved to be a challenging medical environment.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Bill Zook; Mike (Darcy) Zook, Havre, MT and their children Meggie and Molly; Monica (Dale) Friedrich, Plentywood, MT and their children Hannah, Drew, and Carly; Mardee (Rusty) Guyer, Ekalaka, MT and their children Emma (Henry) and Ellen; Mark Zook, Porter, TX and his children John (Heather) and Kaitlin; Murray (Megan) Zook, Kingwood, TX and their children Mara, Maddox, Macey, and Madelyn; and Matt Zook’s children Areisha (Jesse), Autumn, Amalie, Cole, and Caleb. She was thrilled to have two great grandchildren, Jayden and Winston.

In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by sisters Joanne Perkins, Myrtle Herzog, Kay (Don) Hofmann, Butchie (John) Krutzfeldt, and brother Jim (Debbie) Beardsley. And NUMEROUS nieces, nephews, in-laws and outlaws, who were all loved and wonderful in her eyes.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 20, 2022 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 21, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Miles City. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.

If desired, donations could be made to a charity of your choice, but know that Nonie loved education.

Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday February 20, 2022

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

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Funeral Service

11:00 a.m.

Monday February 21, 2022

First Presbyterian Church

1401 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

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Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday February 20, 2022

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Funeral Service

11:00 a.m.

Monday February 21, 2022

First Presbyterian Church

1401 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  2. Bill and family,
    A precious lady has left a wonderful legacy. She will be missed. Take care and God Bless you!’
    Denise and Jay Harvey

  6. Bill and family,
    Nonie was an amazing and kind soul who always had a smile for everyone. You all will have such wonderful memories as she made the most of each day with her family. She will be missed dearly. May God give you strength and comfort during these difficult days.

  8. Oh Mr Bill and Cole, im gonna miss coming over and seeing you guys when I’d come to take care of Mrs Nonie, im going to miss her so much you guys felt more like family to me then anything, im always here if you need anything im a phone call away, it’s a true honor to have gotten the time I did have with your whole family, my time and God help you heal during this difficult time, fly high Nonie your gonna be one beautiful and amazing angel!!!!

  10. Bill and all family:
    So sorry to learn of Nonie’s passing. Our families have known each other forever it seems. Very close friends for sure. She will be missed. Best wishes.

  11. Dear Bill and all of Nonie’s family;
    I am so sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of all of you but what I remember most about Nonie was her patience and her contagious giggle! Thinking of and praying for you all. Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

  14. With deep sadness and sympathy. May your memories and the knowledge that others care provide you with comfort.

  16. What a beautiful person Nonie was, and such a champion for our rural school kids. Bill and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

    ~Carrie (Beach) Etherington

  17. We “can only imagine” the glorious family celebration when Nonie finally got home. Parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins….those are just the ones I ( Patsy) can recall. While I cry for your loss and mine, I have to laugh when I think of the conversations that she and mom are undoubtedly sharing. I truly can only imagine.

  18. I have such fond memories of Nonie, she could always make me laugh with her sparkling sense of the humor about all of life. However, when I went back to teaching, she was a mentor and friend like no other. I remember her correction when I needed it, but it was always followed by her strong encouragement and words of affirmation. The office, Nonie’s office, was always a hubbub on Friday afternoon with the advice, humor, and resources she provided for the teachers she supervised. My heart aches to know she’s lost to us here but rejoices to think of all of that laughter in heaven.

  19. Dear Bill, children and other members of Nonie’s family. We were deeply saddened to learn of your loss! We have fond memories of the time you were at Moon Creek; Nonie’s laugh; and so much more. Each of you are in our prayers for God’s comfort, peace and solace be showered upon you.

  20. Bill & all of Nonie’s family and many friends-
    I am so sorry to see that your beloved Nonie has passed into eternity. May you be comforted in knowing how many people care for all of you. I’m sure all the wonderful memories will also comfort and keep you in the days ahead.

  21. Bill and family we are so sorry for your loss. You are so blessed to have had her for so many years. Hold tight to your memories. Jessie and Jim.

  22. Dear Bill and family Gary and I are so sorry to hear of Nonie’s passing. I know you will miss her but she has created so many golden memories that will warm your hearts for many more years to come.

  23. Bill. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I knew monies as a happy free spirit who was her own boss

  24. Bill and all the Zook Family, I have so many fond memories of traveling with Nonie all over the state when we were County Superintendents together. We shopped, dined, visited and laughed all the way with others from SE Montana and developed many lasting friendships. She was one of a kind and will be missed by so many of us.

  26. So sorry for your losses she fought so long to overcome so much. May she be at peace with the angels. Many hugs and prayers to all of you.

  27. Bill and family,
    So very sorry for your loss. Noni was my Superintendent when I first started teaching in 1992. She was so supportive and she taught me so much. She was a great lady that I have admired for years. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
    Patti

  28. Bill and all of your many families. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

  29. Bill and family, so sorry to hear of her passing. We have memories of this happy, lovely lady. God Bless you all.

  31. Bill and family! So sorry for your loss !! I will miss our daily visit she was the best lady to spend my first two hours of work with.

  32. Dear Bill & family We are so sorry to hear of Nonie’s passing she was a wonderful person & you are all great friends. We have you in our thoughts & prayers. Your friends, Ben Eileen Strad & Kent

  36. To Bill and All of Nonie’s Family, We send our sincere condolences. Nonie was a very Dear Lady and always so dang funny. She will live forever in our hearts with fun memories.

  37. Bill, Mike and all your wife and mother was the best I will miss her greatly. Love and Prayers to you all. PS Bill no correcting spelling or fun on sentents.

  38. Awe, so sad to hear this news. She was an amazing person and so very supportive when I started my teaching career. Love to all of you.

  39. Bill and family My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May your memories comfort you! I enjoyed working with Nonie when I was clerk for our school district. Love and hugs for you all!

  40. Mr. Zook and family, I am so sorry! Nonie was a wonderful person! Treasure your memories. Praying for God’s comfort for all of you.

  41. Bill and Team Zook. I am so sorry for your loss. May friends, family and warm memories sustain you. Prayers and hugs for you all.

  42. Bill and families, So sorry to hear about your loss. What Great Lady!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  44. Bill, I am so sorry for the loss of your wife. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Ginger Huckins

  45. This is indeed such sad news. I’ll bet she has her arms around Matthew and other loved ones, and they around her. You all have a fierce guardian angel watching over you. May you feel His comforting arms around you as you mourn her passing.

  46. Dear Uncle Bill and all of the M’s and their families,
    Aunt Nonie was one of a kind. Her wit was unforgettable.
    We always enjoyed visiting with her and listening to the stories. We remember her articles with chuckles.
    Grandma & Grandpa Beardsley, Pat, Mary Lee and David all met her with open arms.
    Praying for you all.
    We are unable to attend the services. No one would appreciate our coughs and sneezes.

  48. Bill and family, so sorry to hear of Nonie’s passing, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

  49. Bill, so sorry to hear of Nonie’s passing. I hadn’t seen her for quite some time, but I think of her every time I go to the courthouse. She was a great mentor during my time teaching in the country schools.

  50. Losing a loved one is hard but knowing they are out of pain and at peace is comforting. RIP Noni

  51. Bill I was so sorry to hear about Nonie’s death. My thought and prayers are with you

  52. Bill so sorry to hear about Nonie. My thoughts and prayers are with you all

    Sally Christesen

  53. I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing Nonie, , I only know her daughter, Monica! She I believe exemplifies what this family is about ….. love of family, friends and a good example for all. Our love snd prayers for you all!

  54. To Bill and ALL the family ..im shocked and lost of words about Nonie’s passing …when i rented a place from u two for 13 1/2 yrs. Nonie was ALWAYS willing to take my money lol and was happy i spent many years in your guy’s rental .. such a sweet and loving lady to be honest she was like a mom to me in my book.. bill and Nonie and i have a special bond as i served with Matt in the MT. ARMY NATIONAL GUARDS was my honor and utmost respect getting to know Bill and Nonie ..my thoughts and prayers go out to the Zook family,the Herzog family, and the Beardsly family ..my thoughts and prayers are with u all in this time of sorrow not easy losing a parent ,a wife, a grandma ..but shes in a much better place now shes in heaven with Matt as i knew Matt he was waiting at the gates with open arms to once again be with her.. again my thoughts and prayers are with u all…heaven gained another wonderful angel …

  55. Bill & family, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your wife/mom or how Nonie is related to you all. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. My condolences to you all.

  56. Bill and family,
    We are so sorry to hear of Nonie’s passing. She was a sweet lady and we will miss her. Our sincere condolences.
    Tom and Lillian

  57. Bill and family – my deepest condolences for your loss. Nonie had a heart of gold. She opened her home so many times to Sun afternoon drop-in visitors and never skipped a beat. The Zook family has a special place in my childhood memories. Hugs and prayers!!

  58. We got to know Nonie when she was County Supt of Schools and we were providing services to the rural school in Custer County. Nonie was a wonderful person to work with and truly loved children.
    Our thoughts and Prayers are with her family.

  59. What an amazing lady who achieved much in her life with grace and a living spirit. Her story you’ve shared is heartwarming. We send our thoughts and prayers to the entire family with hope that the lord will carry you forward during this difficult time.

  60. Bill and Family, Our condolences on your loss of Nonie. She was a great mentor and helped me learn the “ropes” as I broke in as Co. Supt. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

  65. Our deepest sympathies to the Zook family. It’s always hard when cared for so deeply goes on ahead. Our condolences.

  66. Bill Zook & Family,
    I am thinking of you and praying for you in this time of sorrow. I thought the world of Nonie. She was a very special lady. I was blessed to know and work with her.
    With Love,
    Pat Hanlan

  67. John and Family,
    Sorry to hear about your grandma. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hold Heather and Winston tight and let them help you get through this sad time.

    Jon & Denise Stokesbary
    (Heather’s parents)

  68. Bill and Family,
    I am so sorry to hear of Nonie’s passing. I will always remember her kind words and encouragement as I started my teaching career in the rural schools. She was a wonderful mentor. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

  69. Bill and family,
    We are so very sorry for the loss of Nonie. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.

  70. So sorry for your loss. I know she’ll be missed by all who knew her. She was a wonderful neighbor, when I I’d drop in for one reason or another she was always so gracious and I loved her laugh. Her absence will be felt, definitely by her family & those who knew her. You are in our prayers & thoughts Bill & family. Sue & Scott Jens

  71. Bill and family, I’m so sorry. You’re in my prayers; may God comfort you in the days ahead

  72. Dear  Zook’s -Mike, Darcy, Meggie and Molly,
    We were saddened to learn of Mike’s mother passing.  She sounds like a great lady.  It is always a blessing to have people like her in our life.  I am sure Ellen Rae Nonie Zook will be remembered with much love by you all.
    You are in are thoughts and prayers.
    With love, Pat & Kathy Vaughan

  73. We will miss this amazing lady, wife, mom, grandma, my neighbor and friend to all. I’m so sorry for your loss. . It was a honor to know her. I remember her laugh and kindness and loved animals as I do. Praising God Nonie is in the arms of Jesus.

  75. ELVERA NEUHARDT AND FAMILY==THINKING BACK WHEN OTTO WAS STILL HEAR==WE DID MANY THINGS TOGETHER==LIKE TEACHING SCHOOL==4-H==FREINDSHIP ALWAYS==WE GO BACK MANY YEARS==NONIE WILL STAY IN OUR MEMORY FOREVER==SHE WAS ONE SPECIAL PERSON==GOD BLESS==

  76. Bill and family, so very sad to hear of Nonie’s passing I always enjoyed visiting with her. I had intended to come to the service today but with the storm have decided against it. Rest in Peace Nonie

  78. Sorry to hear of your loss. Nonie was a very nice person and I Ed omg with her. May God be with her and the family. Kevin

  79. Bill and Family. I wanted you to know we love ya and enjoyed getting to work with Nonie in these past few years. You really can get to know people when you take the time to visit. We had several evening and time to visit. We talked about family and history I really enjoyed the times we had. Our prayers are with you all

  80. Bill

    I’m sorry to note Nonie’s passing. She was a fine asset to the community. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

  81. Bill and Family,
    My most sincere and heartfelt sympathies go out to you all.
    God Bless and Keep your precious wife, mother and grandmother!
    Cherish the beautiful memories!

  82. Zook family, I’m so very sorry for your loss. It’s not good bye but until you meet again. God Bless

  83. Bill and Family,
    We’re so sorry to learn of Nonie’s passing. We were blessed to know this wonderful and witty neighbor lady for a few years. We really enjoyed our visits with her, and Susan especially enjoyed swapping rural school teaching experiences with her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  84. Mr. Zook, sorry for the loss of your wife , you taught me in high school in Broadus, great teacher & a great guy!

  85. Mr. Zook and Family, I am sorry for your loss. May her memory be a blessing and comfort for you in the days ahead. I will be keeping you in my prayers.

  86. Our sympathy and condolences go to you, Bill, and all your family. Nonie will be greatly missed.

  87. Oh Bill….. I am so sorry to read if your lovely wife’s passing. Although I didn’t know her, I always felt like I did from your stories when you and I worked at Pine Hills. I pray that you and your family find peace, comfort and strength during this mist difficult of times. May God bless you all.

  88. I was heartbroken to learn of Nonie’ s passing. We worked together for so many years and had so much fun. Codilee to Bill and the family.

  89. Condolences to the Zook family. Nonie was a great lady who touched many lives over the years. Her signature is on my very first teaching certificate and that of my husband’s. Many will treasure beautiful memories of Nonie.

  90. Nonie was an ambassador for rural schools
    She was the kindest welcome wagon to me my first year of teaching, such an encouragement. I am sorry to hear she has passed away. My condolances to her family.

  91. Bill and family. Ellen was a person who always brought joy and happiness to all who were fortunate to be in her company. God bless you Ellen it’s so sad to see you leave us.

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