On April 24, 2024, Wava Belle Bridgman, of Miles City, formerly of Ashland, Montana, passed away at Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City, as a result of a debilitating stroke the previous Friday while in her apartment at the Eagle’s Manor. Wava was 82 years old.
She was born on October 7, 1941 in Portland, Oregon to Thomas Glennon and Madeline Velma (Boyle) Hoffman. She was the oldest of 2 siblings: Thomas and George (twins). Wava graduated from Custer County High School in 1959 and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Navy on January 4, 1960 in Butte, Montana. She graduated from the U.S. Naval Hospital Corps School and was stationed at Great Lakes, Illinois. While in the Navy, she met Boniface “Barney” Bargas and they married on March 18, 1962 in Joliet, Illinois. To this marriage, they had two children: Katherine ”Kathy” Lee and Cindy Lou.
In the late 1960’s, Wava went to work at the Caterpillar plant in Joliet, Illinois as a machinist, where she met James “Jim” Wilbert Bridgman (a/k/a “Wort”), who was also a machinist in the same department. James and Wava would play practical jokes on each other in the workplace which became the subject of humorous memories they would share throughout the years. They were married on September 29, 1970 in Joliet, Ill. To this marriage, they had Rachel Anne. Just 2 weeks after Rachel’s birth in 1971, James and Wava sold everything and moved to Miles City, Montana, where Wava was from and her family roots ran deep. Both Wava and James had a deep love for living off the land and the rugged eastern Montana way of life. They provided for their small family of three by hunting deer, antelope, pheasant and sage grouse, fishing and growing a garden. Wava was known to be a crackpot shot in those early years and would always tag out each hunting season. As she grew older and more silver in her hair, she found it harder and harder to pull the trigger on an animal or even put a worm on a hook, so she ultimately gave up those activities. Wava was an avid animal lover – especially cats. Her family lovingly called her the “Cat Whisperer” because she managed to tame every feral cat that would show up. She never met a cat she didn’t like.
For most of Wava’s professional career, she worked in the healthcare field as a transcriptionist, biller and bookkeeper for various doctors and medical facilities. Her prior medical training and experience as a corpsman in the Navy sparked her passion to care for others that were sick, injured or elderly. She was loving, gentle and attentive to the needs of anyone needing physical assistance or care.
Throughout their lives together, James and Wava lived in several Montana and Wyoming communities: Miles City, Laurel, Red Lodge, Martin City (outside of Glacier National Park), Cody, and ultimately Ashland, where they spent their retirement years. Wava used her administrative and clerical skills to temporarily fill in at the Ashland Medical Clinic and Tongue River Electrical Cooperative (TRECO) when needed. She loved the Ashland community and the beauty of the area.
People would rave about Wava’s potato salad, which was a personal recipe she kept close to the vest. Rachel remains the only living keeper of said recipe. Wava was also a very talented crocheter. She made AMAZING blankets with beautiful intricate designs – which was a perfect outlet for her detailed and meticulous nature. She was always cleaning, washing, scrubbing, painting or doing some other form of “fluffing” around the house. She took great pride in the quality of her work and the care of her belongings, even from a very young age. She was also very strong-willed and outspoken. Wava wasn’t afraid to call out an injustice or to fight fiercely for those she loved, and to always stand up for Jesus – her Lord and Savior.
Wava will be greatly missed by so many, but especially missed by her daughter, Rachel. Wava was always in Rachel’s corner to cheer her on, to encourage her, to pray for her and to kiss away tears in times of distress or trouble. They were truly best friends. Wava often quoted this statement when reflecting upon their close relationship: “A son is a son until he takes a wife. A daughter is a daughter for the rest of your life.”
Wava is preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Madeline Hoffman, twin brothers George Neil Hoffman and Thomas Glenn Hoffman, her husband, James Wilbert Bridgman and daughter, Cindy Lou Bargas. She is survived by her daughters, Katherine Lee Bargas-Kinn and Rachel Anne (James) Earl, as well as six grandchildren; Attina Denika (Sean) Notch, Robert Carter Thornton, Jonathan Michael Thornton, Angel Maria (Luke) Brooks, Matthew Emmett Earl, and Wyatt Daniel Thornton, and four great-grandchildren.
Military graveside services will be held on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery in Miles City. James’ and Wava’s cremation remains will be placed in the same grave together in a dual ceremony with full military honors from the United States Army and Navy.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
1:00 PM
Wednesday May 1, 2024
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
259 Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
1:00 PM
Wednesday May 1, 2024
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
259 Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Rhonda Bonogofsky says
Wava was a most kind, caring and gentle lady. She will be missed.
Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her.
Shawn and Connie McAlpine says
Miss this gracious couple from our Ashland Church Fellowship.
Patricia Houseman says
Rachal, so sorry for the loss of both your parents. They were a wonderful couple, may God keep you in his Grace
at this difficult time in your life and always
Roberta Morgan Rickman says
So sorry for your loss.
Denim & Kate Irish says
Jim, Rachel, Wyatt, and family – So sorry for your loss of this caring, kind, spirited, get it done lady. The reunion of Jim and Wava in heaven is definitely one for the ages. They were a great example of a steadfast love and respect for one another. Much love, grace and mercy to you all in this time of sorrow.
Kristine Nalton says
Wava was a remarkable woman, and such a sweet lady! I was so sad to see this. She made my day anytime she stopped and gave me a hug in the hall, or stopped by my office for a short visit. My prayers to her family. She will be very missed!
Joseph W. Handley Sr. says
Wava and I are cousins. We both graduated in 1959 from CCHS.
Our paths were different, but thankfully we will meet again in heaven!. So sad I felt when my wife Pat told me!!! Praying for God to comfort you as you begin the process of grieving . Cousin Joe
Helen Handley Anderson says
My prayers and thoughts are with you. My brotherJohn did visit your parents occasionally when he was alive.
Donna Stevenson says
Rachel, Jim, and family- Wava will be greatly missed. She was such a wonderful, caring person. I will treasure our conversations about family and life. Before Wava left Ashland, she gave me one of the afghans she had crocheted, and it is truly beautiful. May your family find comfort in the love and moments you shared together.
Charlotte Grover says
I knew Wava from high school days. We kept in touch for many years. She was a wonderful friend.
Wayne Wetherelt Jr says
Rachel and family
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Wava was hired by TRECO when I was there and worked under me. She was a very friendly, kind and outgoing person. I enjoyed working with her and her contribution to the front office. May you cherish all your memories and find comfort with those special moments.
Bryan & Jill Lank says
Rachel, Jim and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time!
Rachel-When we read your mother’s obituary, she was an amazing woman of sacrifice and service! Knowing that your mother and father both served our country is a testament to the kind of people they were! You must be very proud! ❤️
Tracie Bunch says
I so appreciated Wava’s practical, no nonsense approach to life. I was a stranger to her many years ago, and she helped me establish myself in the Ashland community. Rachel, I know you will miss her terribly, but I’m sure you take comfort in knowing that she and Jim are reunited now. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to the service.
Sherry Gross says
So long dear cousin until we meet again in Heaven.
I will miss you as we had just reconected last year. I was so glad to know that we both know Jesus. I had hoped that you could visit here this year.
I’m so glad that you can now move without difficulty and not be lonely.
Rachel says
Just stopping by to say “Hello!”, Mom, and “I love you and miss you.” Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you and long to pick up the phone and tell you something or ask a question…. and then I remember I can’t. See you later in my dreams.