Bernice McDonnell

Bernice McDonnell fell asleep in death at home. She was 100.

The eldest of eight, she was born at home to Stephen and Maisie Ellen McGuire. They were homesteaders in the Madison Valley region, as were her maternal grandparents. As a child, she quickly learned responsibility and to work hard. These lessons served her well throughout her life, especially later, living through the Great Depression and the privations of the war years. She grew up on part of the Jumping Horse Ranch on Jack Creek, just outside Ennis and was graduated from Ennis High. Throughout her life, she spoke of the idyllic beauty of that area of the Big Sky Country.

After her divorce, Bernice and her three children returned to Ennis where she met and married J.R. McDonnell. They added a daughter to their family and ranched near Cameron. Throughout her lifetime, Bernice with her family lived in various Montana cities, finally moving permanently to Billings in 1973.

While living in Butte, Bernice became a serious student of the Bible. She became one of Jehovah's Witnesses and worked toward becoming a volunteer minister in her community and later became one full-time for the last 45 years of her life. She felt that visiting her neighbors at their doors was a wonderful opportunity to share a positive thought for the future from the Bible.

Now asleep in death, Bernice has the beautiful hope of awaking soon in the resurrection to life on earth in paradise as outlined in the Bible.

Bernice was busy. She always wished she had more time to learn more things. She especially loved cooking, hiking, fishing and gardening. She had love and respect for all animal creations but saved a special spot in her heart for own furry friends.

Preceded in death by her husband, a grandson and her siblings, she is survived by her four children: Carol Hidalgo, Butte; Leslie Gonzalez, Omaha; Cecil (Debbie) Hill, Opportunity; and Merilyn Speer, Billings. In addition, survivors from the five generations of her family include 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

Specials thanks from the family to Dr. Denise Mehia and Barb Ryan for their personal concern and professional care throughout the years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bernice's name to Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter, 1735 Monad Road, Billings, MT 59101 or to the charity of your choice.

Memorial services will be held at the Holiday Inn Grand Ballroom, 5500 Midland Road, Billings, on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow.

Bernice McDonnell