Bonnie J. Norris
Bonnie Jean Norris, aged 93, went home to heaven on Dec. 28, 2023.
Bonnie was born on June 25, 1930, in Arnegard, N.D., to Mervin and Signe (Eikren) Olson. She was the oldest of ten children.
Bonnie graduated from Arnegard High School in 1948. She went on to earn her nursing degree from Montana State College in Bozeman, Mont. She worked in Arizona and Williston, N.D., where she met Ronald Norris. They were married on Nov. 25, 1961, and relocated to Great Falls. They had three children, Jane, Lisa, and Susan.
During their 53-year marriage they enjoyed gardening, camping, and traveling. Bonnie liked to journal about her activities for the year and visits from her family. She was proud of her children’s accomplishments and enjoyed showing off her great-grandchildren to the residents and staff at Highgate.
Bonnie worked for Deaconess Hospital and Nursing Home in numerous departments for 28 years until retiring in 1994. After retirement, Ron and Bonnie spent winters in Venice, Fla. with the Olson siblings and their spouses. She enjoyed traveling to China, Germany, Mexico, and many states including Alaska and Hawaii.
Bonnie was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and enjoyed fellowship there through various activities including choir, circle and Bible studies. She volunteered for over ten years seating people at the civic center and served as a 4-H leader.
Survivors include daughters, Jane (Glenn) Todd of Denton, Mont., Lisa Kvamme, of Billings, Mont., and Susan (Stephen) Kessler, of Olympia, Wash.; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and siblings, Joy Nelson, Shirley Boger, Karen (Mert) Johnsrud, Keith (Marlene) Olson, Philip (Caralynn) Olson, Pennie Anderson, John (Carolyn) Olson and Diann (Rex) Gibbs; sisters-in law, Barb Olson, LaWanda (Lee) Sherseth and Lois Norris; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ron; grandson, Damian Kvamme; brother, Denny; brothers-in-law, Norm Nelson,; Alden Johnson, Walt Helgeson, Ed Boger, Loren Anderson, and Don Norris; and niece, Gayle Erickson.
A celebration of life will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 11 a.m. Internment will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery in Denton, Mont.
Bonnie’s family would like to thank Iris Senior Living staff and Highgate Assisted Living staff for the many years of loving and tender care.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be sent to Redeemer Lutheran Church (332 Riverview 3 West, Great Falls, MT 59404) or Great Falls Rescue Mission (408 2nd Ave. South, Great Falls, MT 59404).
Condolences for the family may be shared online at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com.