Louise Brandt passed away Thursday, Aug. 30, 2007, at Valley Health Care in Billings, with family and friends by her side. Louise was born Aug. 5, 1921, in Gail, Texas, the daughter of Nina Davies and James Abner Reese Bonine.
Louise grew up in Silver City and Deming, N.M., where she attended high school. She married Lon S. Burnam Jr. on Dec. 17, 1938, in Phoenix, Ariz. They made their home in Tiger and Hayden, Ariz., where they raised their four children: Ronald Earl (Judy) Burnam, Gerald Edward (Carol) Burnam, Cathy Lynn (Jeff) Tepper and Gaye Lynette (Jonathan) Phipps.
Louise worked many years for the U.S. Postal Service in Hayden. She was an accomplished seamstress, loved crocheting, cross stitch, gardening, cooking and was famous for her delicious pies and jams. Above all, family was her greatest joy. She had a devout belief in God and was a life-long member of the Methodist Church. She selflessly gave countless hours of service to others in need.
Louise's first husband, Lon, passed away Aug. 25, 1973. She married Denard Brandt Sr. Nov. 9, 1974, in Tucson, Ariz., becoming mother to three more children: Denard (Roxanne) Brandt Jr., Clarine (Tom) Haslag and Ellen (David) Parkhurst.
Louise and Denard settled in Midvale, Utah, and enjoyed their home there for 33 years. Their special friends Bart and Jill Van Dyken and sons Nick and Mark were their local "family." They delighted in many visits from kids, grandkids and friends. Their favorite pastime was traveling to many places Louise had never seen. They moved to Billings in 2006 to be close to family.
Louise was preceded in death by her parents; first husband; son, Gerald in 2002; brother, Earl Bonine, and sisters, Martha Lydeen and Zillah Hill Stroud.
She is survived by her sister, Ruth Manning; brother, William Bonine; grandchildren, Angela (Chris) Wasia, Heather (Joseph) Volesky, Tiffany Sievert, Nicholas Burnam, Traci (Marc) Borquez, Martina Burnam, Aislon Burnam, Lauren (Jonathon) Duke, Bill and Matt Haslag and Naomi (Dominic) Passarelli, and 13 great-grandchildren.
Celebrations of her life will be held in Hayden on Sunday, Sept. 2, and in Tucson this coming spring.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel.
This obituary was originally published in the Billings Gazette.
Dear Grandma,
I miss you dearly, and I hope that you are waltzing with Grandpa Lonnie and my Dad. I know you are more happy now, and have been freed from the confusion and haze you were in. God Bless You, I LOVE you, and I will forever miss you. Until we meet again...Love Ya, Your Granddaughter...
Martina Burnam
May 28, 2008 | Dudleyville, AZ
I met Louise in 2000, in the cool mountains in Ruidoso. I loved meeting Zilla and Ruth. We all had a good time. I was able to bring the following year some of their cousins from Mary Bonine Walker's side. I introduced my greatgrandma's neices and nephews and some of her kids to their cousins. I will greatly miss her.
Sonya Wilson
September 06, 2007 | Hagerman, NM
The time comes in every life when that veil we have to cross. It's the end of pain, of strife and of illness. Such is the way that Louise has gone, to be with the ancestors. Rest well.
Jon Phipps
September 06, 2007 | Mountainair, NM
Dearest Grandma,
I love you with all of my heart. I miss you lots but I also am glad that you are not suffering and or in pain anymore. Have fun up there with Jerry, and my GrandDaddy Burnam and your Daddy and Mom and siblings and cousins and Aunt Edna and Uncle Earl Henry. Have a dance or few for me with my Dunkle Yerry. Love you always and forever
Aislon Burnam
September 06, 2007 | Mountainair, NM
Mom,
I want to thank you for all the special things you’ve done and for being my Mom.
I remember so many special times. Do you remember when Lonnie was only 3 months and we came to Midvale to visit you there? You tried to help me get her to take a bottle. She fought you unmercifully and you were in tears because you hated making her cry.
You worked so hard for our family. I was so proud of you and loved going by the Post Office to see you after swimming.
You...
Gaye Lynette Phipps
September 06, 2007 | Mountainair, NM
