Bonnie Louise Hayes, 86, of Missoula, passed peacefully into the hands of the Lord of natural causes on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, at Hunters Glen.
Bonnie was born June 9, 1927, in Philipsburg to Robert and Signe McKinley. After graduating from Granite County High School, Mom moved to Missoula and enrolled in the St. Patrick School of Nursing.
Student nurses worked 12 hours per day with classes and lectures held at night. Not only did nurses provide patient care, they were responsible for housekeeping and earned $12 a month. Nursing students in those days learned by example. Afterward, they performed the just-observed procedure directly on the patient under the supervision of a physician.
Our mother was a prime candidate for the nursing profession. She worked hard without complaint. Mom received her nursing degree in 1948. Numerous lives throughout her years of nursing were blessed by her loving, sweet, gentle and humble spirit.
Bonnie married the love of her life, Walt Hayes, on June 27, 1948. In their 63 years of marriage, Bonnie and Walt were devoted life partners. Mom spent her free time maintaining their home, tending to her beautiful flower gardens. Mom had a special fondness for wildflowers, pansies and geraniums.
Bonnie was an avid gardener, proud of their garden and fruit trees. Gardeners by nature tend to be nurturing and caring people. She worked side by side with Dad growing everything from sweet corn to numerous varieties of yummy vegetables.
Mom was devoted to her faith in the Lord and lived her life accordingly. She followed the teachings of Jesus – why feed a family of five when you can feed many? Folks who dropped by, whether cherished friends, family, neighbors, were greeted with a fresh cup of coffee or tea accompanied by the best pie, cookies and baked goodies this side of the Mississippi. Visitors also left with a bag full of fresh garden delights.
Mom treasured the numerous Bible studies she attended over the years. She was blessed with the ongoing fellowship and a lifetime of friends.
"Grandma Bonnie," played a vital role in the lives of her grandchildren. She gave unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort and lessons in life. Spending precious time with her grandchildren was one of the many highlights of her life. Many sweet memories of camping, fishing, cooking and baking will live on in the hearts of her grandchildren. She is very proud of her grandchildren to this day.
"If we had a single flower for each thought of you ... we could walk in our garden forever."
Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, Walter W. Hayes; and her parents, Robert and Signe McKinley.
Survivors include two daughters and a son, Karen Schanzenbach of Bellevue, Wash., Bob and wife Mary Hayes of Missoula, and Jennifer Hayes of Missoula; three grandchildren, Jason Hayes (wife Colleen Hayes) of Hailey, Idaho, Kelly Schanzenbach (Trevor Harper) of Parker, Colo., and Kailey Kemp (husband Bob Kemp) of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at Garden City Funeral Home with the Rev. Dan Dixson officiating. A burial service will be at the veterans cemetery after the service and reception.
We want to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to the caring staff members of Hunters Glen who were gentle and kind to her.
We also thank Partners Hospice for its careful attention to our sweet mother.
Thank you, Chaplin Dan Dixson, for your loving support and comfort.
Condolences may be left for the family at missoulafuneralhomes.com.
Donations may be made to: stemcellofamerica.com/lp/parkinsons-treatment
Read Bonnie Hayes's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.
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