Marie Katherine "McGill" Bessonen-Davis passed away in the comfort of her home in Salmon, Idaho, on January 9th, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 10th, 1951, in Missoula, Montana, to Henry Seymour and Katherine Marie (Jensen) McGill. At age 9, Marie's family moved to Butte, Montana, where she lived until 1993. She attended Emerson Elementary, East Junior High, and graduated from Butte High School in 1969.
On February 4th, 1970, Marie married Francis "Frank" Bessonen. She fondly recalled learning to drive a stick shift in Frank's 1968 Camaro SS. Together, they welcomed two daughters, Cheri Lee and Staci Ann Bessonen. Frank passed away in 1991 at the age of 45.
A couple of years later, Marie met Dan Davis at her daughter Staci's wedding. Dan explains being coerced into attending the celebration, and felt like a "fifth wheel" awkwardly standing in the back. Dan noticed Marie a bit earlier in the evening, and just as "Pretty Woman" began to play, made his way over and asked her to dance. Their connection blossomed through letters, and they married just five months later. Their 32-year marriage was a remarkable partnership built on love, trust, faithfulness, and a strong foundation in God. From a young age, Marie knew she wanted to be a wife and mother. She was an avid sewer, lovingly crafting holiday dresses and Halloween costumes for her daughters. Marie found joy in cooking, baking, cake decorating, camping, and family picnics. She shared her talents generously at church functions and community gatherings. Marie also cherished rides down river with her husband and their two Yorkies, taking in the wildlife and her favorite music. You could often find her sitting on her front deck, gazing outward towards the majestic mountain range that seemed to unfold like a beautiful painting. Thoughtful and kind, she delighted in surprising others to brighten their day. Christmas was her favorite holiday. The decorating, baking, shopping, wrapping and music. She adored it all. Marie stayed close with friends and family, sharing recipes, photos, and quotes, and playfully texting with her daughters, who say it wasn't uncommon to receive a "whatever" or eyeroll emoji during these exchanges. After her glioblastoma diagnosis in August, Marie's last social media post reflected her enduring spirit: "Every day you have a choice. You can focus on the countless reasons to feel upset and discouraged. Or, you can shift your attention to the countless reasons to feel grateful and joyful." Marie truly lived by this philosophy, finding meaning in life's little things. She faced her illness with unwavering strength, positivity, and grace.
Marie's career through the years included clerical roles at Meyers Medical Clinic, Hearthside Home Health, and M&M Recovery Service to name a few.
Marie is preceded in death by her grandparents, Layton and Lillian McGill; Walter and Mildred Jensen; Parents Henry "Hank" and Katherine "Dolly" Carle; Step father Charles "Bud" Carle; Her first husband, Frank Bessonen and his parents; Joe and Elenor Klobuchar and her precious grandson, Connor McCaul.
Marie is survived by her husband Daniel A. Davis, daughters Cheri Bessonen (Rob Hill) and Staci Goodrich (Bob Peterson). Her brother Lon (Margie) Mcgill; nephews Scott (Jenn) McGill and Kyle (Maggie) McGill. Step-sons Daniel A. (Christina) Davis Jr. and Joseph (Rebecca) Davis. Grandchildren; Coleton (Alyssa -Ness) McCaul; Joseph (Alexis) Davis; Ashley (Jay) Daniels, Nicolas Davis; AnnMarie and Makala Davis; Great Granddaughter, Mercedes McCaul; Great Grandsons; Angel & Daemon Daniels.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. Slotje in Missoula for the exceptional care and kindness, and to Salmon Valley Hospice for their unwavering care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lemhi County Animal Shelter or Salmon Valley Hospice. At Marie's request, there will be no services. Marie asked instead that her family go on a memorable picnic together in remembrance.
On February 4th, 1970, Marie married Francis "Frank" Bessonen. She fondly recalled learning to drive a stick shift in Frank's 1968 Camaro SS. Together, they welcomed two daughters, Cheri Lee and Staci Ann Bessonen. Frank passed away in 1991 at the age of 45.
A couple of years later, Marie met Dan Davis at her daughter Staci's wedding. Dan explains being coerced into attending the celebration, and felt like a "fifth wheel" awkwardly standing in the back. Dan noticed Marie a bit earlier in the evening, and just as "Pretty Woman" began to play, made his way over and asked her to dance. Their connection blossomed through letters, and they married just five months later. Their 32-year marriage was a remarkable partnership built on love, trust, faithfulness, and a strong foundation in God. From a young age, Marie knew she wanted to be a wife and mother. She was an avid sewer, lovingly crafting holiday dresses and Halloween costumes for her daughters. Marie found joy in cooking, baking, cake decorating, camping, and family picnics. She shared her talents generously at church functions and community gatherings. Marie also cherished rides down river with her husband and their two Yorkies, taking in the wildlife and her favorite music. You could often find her sitting on her front deck, gazing outward towards the majestic mountain range that seemed to unfold like a beautiful painting. Thoughtful and kind, she delighted in surprising others to brighten their day. Christmas was her favorite holiday. The decorating, baking, shopping, wrapping and music. She adored it all. Marie stayed close with friends and family, sharing recipes, photos, and quotes, and playfully texting with her daughters, who say it wasn't uncommon to receive a "whatever" or eyeroll emoji during these exchanges. After her glioblastoma diagnosis in August, Marie's last social media post reflected her enduring spirit: "Every day you have a choice. You can focus on the countless reasons to feel upset and discouraged. Or, you can shift your attention to the countless reasons to feel grateful and joyful." Marie truly lived by this philosophy, finding meaning in life's little things. She faced her illness with unwavering strength, positivity, and grace.
Marie's career through the years included clerical roles at Meyers Medical Clinic, Hearthside Home Health, and M&M Recovery Service to name a few.
Marie is preceded in death by her grandparents, Layton and Lillian McGill; Walter and Mildred Jensen; Parents Henry "Hank" and Katherine "Dolly" Carle; Step father Charles "Bud" Carle; Her first husband, Frank Bessonen and his parents; Joe and Elenor Klobuchar and her precious grandson, Connor McCaul.
Marie is survived by her husband Daniel A. Davis, daughters Cheri Bessonen (Rob Hill) and Staci Goodrich (Bob Peterson). Her brother Lon (Margie) Mcgill; nephews Scott (Jenn) McGill and Kyle (Maggie) McGill. Step-sons Daniel A. (Christina) Davis Jr. and Joseph (Rebecca) Davis. Grandchildren; Coleton (Alyssa -Ness) McCaul; Joseph (Alexis) Davis; Ashley (Jay) Daniels, Nicolas Davis; AnnMarie and Makala Davis; Great Granddaughter, Mercedes McCaul; Great Grandsons; Angel & Daemon Daniels.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. Slotje in Missoula for the exceptional care and kindness, and to Salmon Valley Hospice for their unwavering care.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lemhi County Animal Shelter or Salmon Valley Hospice. At Marie's request, there will be no services. Marie asked instead that her family go on a memorable picnic together in remembrance.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Marie Katherine Davis, please visit our flower store.
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