Audra Morger-Bonilla, beloved wife, mother, sister, and daughter left us for heaven on June 18, 2011, after a 3 ½ year battle with ovarian cancer.
Audra was born on January 9, 1968, at Columbus Hospital in Great Falls, Montana, to Victoria A. and Wallace E. Morger. Audra was raised in Fort Benton and she graduated from Fort Benton High School in 1986. Audra was active in swimming, drama, and basketball as well as numerous other school and community related activities while she was growing up.
After graduating from high school, Audra matriculated to the University of Montana where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in English and certification to teach grades 7-12. While attending the University, Audra met her future husband, Gregory Bonilla, on September 8, 1988, while they were beginning training to be resident assistants. It is a day Gregory will never forget. Audra and Gregory were married in Fort Benton on July 14, 1990. The couple finished college the following spring and then Audra took her first teaching job in Colville, Washington. Audra then taught in California while Gregory attended law school. The couple returned to Fort Benton on June 19, 1996 for what was supposed to be a brief summer stay but wound up staying in Fort Benton for 13 years.
Audra taught English along with several other subjects intermittently in Fort Benton. She also coached basketball, track, and speech and drama for the Shorthorns and Longhorns. During this time period, Audra also taught one year at Paris Gibson Middle School and one year as adjunct faculty at the MSU-COT in Great Falls.
However, after her son, Grayson was born in 2001, Audra devoted herself mainly to being a mother and wife. When Grayson was small, Audra delighted in taking walks around the hometown she loved with all her heart while pushing Grayson in his stroller. Gregory estimates she put one thousand miles on the stroller before it finally wore out.
Then, on December 10, 2007, Audra was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer and thus began her final battle which she fought with grace, humor, and a determination born of her deep faith in Jesus. Audra enjoyed a remission between June 2008 and November 2009, which she and her family and friends savored. During her remission, it was wonderful to see Audra able to do many of the things she loved to do like water skiing, kayaking, biking, and dancing. Even while she was sick, Audra managed to laugh and love and even remained involved in many community activities like the Fort Benton Women’s Club Food Drive and the annual Fort Benton Fun Run.
During the last 6 months of her life, Audra was given only days to live several times, but kept fighting back to the amazement of her healthcare providers and loved ones. However, her body was finally unable to keep up with what her spirit wanted it to do, and she finally had to say good-bye to her loved ones after one final, brief stay in the hospital.
Audra will always be remembered for her loving nature, her humor, her generosity, and her sheer love of life. She was beloved by all of her family and friends. Moreover, she was the best wife and mother “her boys” could have had. We are all grateful to have had her with us, even if her time here on earth was too short. She will, of course, live on in our hearts and memories even as her spirit lives on in Paradise.
Audra was preceded in death by her mother, Victoria A. Axtman. Audra is survived by her husband Gregory and her son Grayson of Helena, her father Wallace E. Morger (Muncie) of Fort Benton; sisters Valerie Morger (Mark Pyrak) of Fort Benton, Venetta Morger (John Wood) of The Woodlands, TX, Darcy Morger-Grovenstein (Glenn) of Prescott Valley, AZ, Lisa Morger-Miller (John) of Missoula, and Wallis Morger-Bryan (Van) of Bozeman; brothers Randy Morger of Fort Benton, Shane Morger (Geri) of Ventura, CA, and Brian of Great Falls. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Audra’s funeral will take place at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 22 at Helena First Assembly of God Church, 2210 Dodge Ave., in Helena. A brief graveside service will take place at Riverview Cemetery, Fort Benton, Mont., at 2 p.m., Thursday, June 23, with a gathering of family and friends to follow immediately that afternoon at the Fort Benton Agricultural Center. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Retz Funeral Home in Helena. To offer condolences to the family or share a memory of Audra, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Audra deeply cared about children, particularly the impoverished and orphaned. She was a devoted contributor to many charities and religious organizations committed to caring for such children. Therefore, her family requests that memorials in her memory be sent to World Vision International, P.O. Box 9716, Dept. W, Federal Way, WA 98063-9716 (www.worldvision.org) or the Victoria A. Morger Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 385, Fort Benton, MT, 59442.
While we mourn our beloved, and while we know she can never be replaced, please remember that even in the last hours of her life she still found the strength to make us laugh and feel loved.
Sibley and John Ligas says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. We wish you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Randy Kaiser and Jennifer Massman says
Greg and family:
Our deepest sympathies on the passing of Audra. We hope you can find strength and comfort from all of the loving memories of Audra that you will carry with you always. God bless and take care.
Bruce Suenram says
Greg:
My deepest condolences to you and your family!
Bruce Suenram
Deputy Chief
Fire & Aviation Management
Heather Elkin says
Your whole family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We love you! Elkin Family…
Loey says
Greg
I was so saddened to hear the news. Some of my best memories of college was of you and Audra, and calling each other bonded sisters. I remember your wedding and living next to you as you were newlyweds.
Please know that I’m thinking of you and that she was a wonderful person. Take care during this difficult time.
xo Loey
fran monro says
Greg my sympathy to you and your son my prayers are with you . Take care Greg
franny
Barbara Doggett says
We are so sad for your loss, Audra was a wonderful “Jefferson Mom” We will miss seeing her big smile in the halls and outside as she waited for Grayson after school.
Barbara, Jon and Jonathan Schoof
Casey Walsh says
I used to work with Audra at the Red Lion in Missoula. She always made me laugh and I have thought of her often over the years when I think of my college/Red Lion days. she was a great person.
Kathy and Glenn Yeldezian says
Venetta, John and Morger family, Our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God give you strength and peace.
Love, Kathy and Glenn Yeldezian
Sharon Hellquist Babot says
Dear Greg,
Although it has been years since I have seen you and Audra, I hold fond memories of you living up the street on Mountain View. Remember when we sang Tom Petty in Scott’s 50 ford? I am so very sorry for the loss you and your son are enduring, but know that your friends here in Vallejo loved you both. Audra is now your angel who will forever watch over you and Grayson. I wish you peace, Sharon
JOYCE CLAUSEN says
BRIAN
IT’S BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE I HAVE SEEN YOU, BUT I WANT TO SEND MY SYMPATHY TO YOU. IT’S VERY HARD LOOSING A FAMILY MEMBER.
Anne McIntosh says
Greg,
I was at UM when you met Audra and recall fondly working with the two of you in Craig Hall. I was not aware that Audra was stricken with ovarian cancer. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as you begin the healing process. I will touch base with you in the next coming weeks. Anne McIntosh and family
Art McCafferty says
I am so sorry for your great loss. And I’m sorry I didn’t see the funeral was on wednessday, I wish I could have been with you all that day. All of you are in our love and prayers.
Art and Connie McCafferty
Timothy L. Lund says
Hi Greg, I am so sorry to hear about Audrey, I just found out last night from Anne McIntosh from N. Carolina. If I would have know I would of been there. I am extremely sad. She was a fine woman and incredible person. It was my honor to know her. You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts.
You have my sincere Condolences.
Timothy L. Lund
Natalie Shell Whitney says
Greg and Family. I am so sorry for your loss. I met Audra while we were residents in Craig Hall and we later served as RA’s at UM together. While we lost touch with each other over the years, I will always remember Audra’s beautiful, warm smile and infectious laugh! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Natalie Shell Whitney and Family
Beverley McCurry says
I am so sorry for your loss, Greg. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great loss. My God keep you and guide you. God’s Blessings!
Rachel Braun says
I was privileged to be one of Audras nurses on the oncology floor and wanted to say Audra and her family had a wonderful, loving spirit. Their humor was intoxicating and I thoroughly enjoyed being around them all. She will always be remembered.
Take care Greg and Grayson
Rachel
Norman Keith Coupchiak says
I’m from Togiak, Alaska…
Norman Keith Coupchiak says
My condolences to the family… Norman Keith Coupchiak, owner/operator Coupchiak Aviation Inc.