Reba (Bo) Denson, age 83, passed away September 9, 2016 in Phoenix, AZ. Bo was born on December 6, 1932 to Harry and Gert Mitchell, the 4th of five girls. She was raised on a ranch near Sonnette, Montana and attended the Mitchell school. She attended high school in Broadus and graduated in 1951. After a brief stint as a telephone operator in Miles City, MT, she was back in Broadus working at Chet Holts Drug Store when some parents of a country school near Hammond, MT recruited her to teach. She loved it. She forged lifelong friendships with parents and students as she moved to country schools in Biddle, Epsie and others. She taught winters and went to college at Black Hills State each summer earning her teaching degree. In the early sixties she started teaching at the Broadus Elementary School and stayed there until retiring in 1992. After teaching she started a second career as a Nurses Aid at the Powder River Manor. As much as she loved teaching she often expressed regret that she hadn’t become a nurse. Her most treasured memories of working as a CNA, was spending time with residents in the final stages of their lives. Bo married John Denson in 1955 in Miles City, MT. They started out ranching near Hammond and then Alzada before moving to Broadus. Three children were born: Sandy in 1956, John Jr. in 1960 and Darcy in 1963. In later years Bo was a devoted Grandma. She made sure to have at least one of the grandkids much or part of the summer while they were young. Many camping trips to the mountains were made with the grandkids. In 1999 husband John passed away and in 2004 she retired from the Manor, sold her Broadus home and moved to Arizona to live with son John. She loved the warm weather and being able to have flower gardens abloom year around. She became a well-known member of the community because she would walk her beloved dog twice a day. Everyone came to know Bo and Augie and loved them. As much as she loved the sun and fun in Phoenix, Broadus was always home to her. In 2013 this strong independent senior citizen fell and broke her hip and wrist. Life was never the same as she struggled to regain her mobility and freedom. Several more surgeries followed, each one robbing her of a once clear mind and boundless energy. In the end her heart gave out. She is preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, Eva, Dot and Honey and her oldest son Sandy and husband John. Bo is survived by a sister Streamie of Boise, ID; daughter Darcy and husband Louey Williams of Sheridan WY; son John of Phoenix; daughter in law Julie of Tucson and grandkids, Adam Denson of Tucson; JD Williams and Sammi Jo Williams of Sheridan WY.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 23, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Interment will follow in the Valley View Cemetery in Broadus. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Broadus is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Tena says
Sad to hear this. She was my meanest teacher ever- the 4th grade memories. But in later years, she was a favorite CNA. So glad I got to know her as an adult. Loved her perspective and personality! She will be missed!
Brenda Hopkins says
So sorry to hear of this. I worked with her as a CNA. She was a hard worker and when she had an opinion of something you knew it!!!!!!! My thoughts are with her family. She will be missed!
Pat Franklin says
Sorry for your loss! I enjoyed being around her she had a special way that I enjoyed! May she rest in peace!
Rosario Klar says
Was so sorry to hear about her passing,, she will be missed. I worked nights with her at the nursing home. I enjoyed the time we had, she was a hoot to work with. I always looked forward to hearing from her, will miss her annual update in her Christmas card this year. My deepest condolences to the family
LaDonna says
Loved this amazing lady. Always appreciated her boundless energy and quick wit. Truly enjoyed all the nights we got to spend together. Rest in peace Bo I am grateful for the time we spent together and the opportunity to know you. You will be so very missed.
Deepest sympathy to her family…
Pat Smith says
Bo was a great person and awesome co-worker. Enjoyed working with her and our visits over coffee when she would walk up the ally for a cup-a. May your many great memories of the great lady comfort you in your time of sorrow. She will be miss, but remembered by many.
Kathy Biesheuvel says
My son’s first teacher when we moved to Broadus. Condolences to this great family.
Sheri Gali says
Dan had Bo in country school ( Two Tree ) she had left when I started but was definitely Dan’s favorite teacher, I still hear stories about her !! She will be missed ! Hugs to the family . RIP Bo .
Darlene (Flanigan) Songer says
My sympathies to her family! She was a great teacher! Always kept the kids on their toes!
Don and Arlis Bidwell says
Bo was a great mentor for a young teacher whether asked for advice or not. A true treasure and friend.
Glenda Flint says
I remember her as a teacher when I went to grade school in Broadus. I didn’t have her as my teacher, but I always liked and respected her because she said what she meant and the kids knew it. She was always kind to me. My sympathy to the family. I hope you can enjoy memories of her to help ease the loss.
Shawn & Wendy Richards says
One of my best teachers.!! Then one of my best coworkers!! You will be missed by many Bo!! Love, thoughts and prayers to her family.. She was one of a kind!!
Anita Wetherelt says
Saddened to hear this. But I have so many memories of the times we shared. Our thoughts, prayers to all of her family, with love & do miss the letters she used to write me.
Melody Hanzlik says
My thoughts and prayers to all of “Mrs. Denson’s” family. She was my fourth grade teacher, and one of my mom’s friends. I always enjoyed the stories Mom shared of times with Bo.
cynde jo Trucano says
What a great woman… Great teacher … Great co-worker… my deepest sympathy to the family… So blessed to have known her
Judy Denson-Keller says
My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to everyone at this difficult time. Bo was a very special family member. To some, she appeared tough as nails on the outside, but on the inside was a heart of pure gold. Her wit and humorous ways were pure classic. As a fellow CNA, I too have spent many precious times with residents at their final stages of life. This is a special feeling, Bo, I, or anyone who is in the same field will share. I bet there were quite a few who met her there in Heaven and gave her a hug. May God Bless you all!
Jean Brownfield-Ballantyne says
My condolenses to the family, I am sorry for your loss. Bo Mitchell was my second grade teacher at the Hawks Home School northeast of Hammond for the 55-56 school year. That had to be a tough assignment for a young teacher–no running water, no indoor toilet. My memories of Bo are of a pretty woman but a mean teacher. RIP Bo.
Judy Shamley says
John and Darcy –
My thoughts and prayers to you and yours. I was very saddened to hear of the loss of your mom. In my younger years, I was somewhat intimidated by Bo, mostly due to her “teacher’s demeanor” , but soon learned of her quick wit and sense of humor which I so admired. What a pistol!! I also know how important her family was to her. With sincere sympathy.