Bonita Marie Gruber
May 6, 1934 – December 7, 2021
On Tuesday morning December 7th, Bonnie age 87 years old, passed away peacefully not long after receiving her morning kiss from her loving husband.
Bonnie was born on May 6, 1934 in Helena Montana to Paul and Gwen McFadden. She was the oldest of 3 children. She was raised in Boulder, living in a log cabin in her early years, where Montgomery Ward catalogs served a dual purpose. At the age of 9, Bonnie and her family moved to the Montana State School Ranch (for the developmentally disabled) where her father was the manager and her mother was the head cook. This environment instilled in Bonnie compassion, patience and consideration for others.
Bonnie was a quiet and studious young lady along with being crowned prom queen and class salutatorian at Boulder High School. Her love for music led her to learn to play the clarinet and piano. Shortly thereafter her adventure in life took a turn when she met a rambunctious classmate and lifelong love, Frank Gruber. She loved sharing stories with her grandchildren and great grandchildren about memorable events in high school and stories of her beloved Frank.
Prior to getting married, Bonnie worked at the Rialto Movie Theatre in Boulder. She played the piano at various school functions and at the First National Bank during the holidays where she also was employed.
Bonnie & Frank were married in a quiet ceremony on August 30, 1953 in Boulder, MT at St. Catherine’s Church. They lived a couple of years on the job site during the construction of the Tiber Dam. Then they moved to the Helena Valley, living in an 8’ x 35’ trailer with 4 small children. Eventually a home was built to accommodate 2 girls and 6 boys in a 12 year span.
On every Monday morning the hallway would be lined with piles of laundry to be washed. Along with being a nurturing mother, mentor and counselor, she was the referee. In her spare time ha!ha!ha, she also served as the bookkeeper for their businesses.
After 24 years of living in the valley, they moved on to what is now known as Broadwater Estates. She loved to watch the birds and deer that lived in their backyard. One of her many gifts was her keen sense of hearing, including her sons’ late night arrivals over the plank bridge. Her love of playing cards with her grandchildren and great grandchildren will provide lasting memories for all. In addition for caring for her 8 children, she assisted with the care and needs for both sets of parents and a great aunt.
As a family, adventures of travel were anything but dull. Losing diapers off the top of the car, forgetting a child and a pet along side the road and the infamous line up of, who was good or who was bad. Bonnie finally got a much deserved break when the family was treated to burgers at the Zip N & Out; it was relish for all! Bonnie and Frank enjoyed many extensive adventures around the world which included visiting 22 countries.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents Paul and Gwen McFadden and daughter-in-law Jean Gruber.
Survivors include her husband of 68 years Frank, her 8 children, Bev (Dan) Radley, Victoria, Dan, Dave (Shea), Chris, Paul (Darlene), Joe (Cindi), Steve (Alpha), 2 siblings; Bev (Jim), Jim (Gloria), 14 grandchildren, Jason, Nick, Lindsay, Kate, Pat, Jennie, Maura, Jake, Tom, Jarod, Marcus, Matt, Joel and Justin, 26 great greatchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
Bonnie’s family wishes to express their appreciation for the tender loving care and support given by Vanessa & Elaine as well as Lisa. The staff at St. Peter’s Hospice were exceptional, especially Cheryl.
Viewing will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, December 13th with Mass to be celebrated at 12:10 p.m. at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave, Helena, MT 59601. A private committal with immediate family will follow. We would love for all of you to attend a reception honoring Bonnie’s memory to be held downstairs at Jorgenson’s, 1714 11th Ave, Helena, MT 59601.
In Lieu of flowers, donations in Bonnie’s name are suggested to St. Peter’s Hospice.
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 am
Monday December 13, 2021
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 pm
Monday December 13, 2021
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave,
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
11:00 am
Monday December 13, 2021
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 pm
Monday December 13, 2021
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave,
Helena, Montana 59601
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Deena and Skip Verworn says
Frank and family, we were so saddened to hear of Bonnies passing. We met over 30 years ago and It was a true pleasure getting to see her and visit with her about what was going on with her family, she was so very proud of all of them. She was always so kind and gracious and a truly beautiful lady. Please accept our deepest sympathy’s, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike Chaffeur says
Uncle Frank and Family,
We are saddened with the news of Bonnie’s passing. Our thoughts are prayers are with you in this troubled time. A truly wonderful person. Rest in Peace Bonnie.
Of such is the kingdom of Heaven.
Mike and Alice Chaffeur
Jenny says
I am so sorry for your loss of Bonnie. I have known your family for at least 25yrs and am honored . I was the proud recipient of the little Parrot that Bonnie got Frank . 😊
Diana Graber Tavary says
Bev and Dan
Very sorry for your mama passing. She sounded like she was a delight. Thanks for sharing her delightful story. Many blessings Diana
Sue Stolley says
I am so sorry for your loss. Bonnie was a gracious, caring, and generous woman. I am blessed knowing my daughter Abby has been a lived member of the Gruber clan.
May your memories be a comfort in these hard days.
Ed Gruber says
Frank and family,
We extend our sincere condolences regarding your loss. The obituary says it all. Aunt Bonnie was loved by everyone she touched and she will be missed by all.
Sincerely,
Ed and Marge Gruber (Ted’s son)
Saundra Lowry says
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Bonnie. I grew up in Boulder and have fond memories of visiting Gwen and Paul with my grandparents. May you have peace and comfort in all of the memories you made with her. Love to you all.
Saundra Lattin
Cheri Mix-Ady says
Sending my sincere condolences. God bless u all.
Vanessa Bolstad says
Rest In Peace sweet Bonnie… you will be missed by so many!
It was such a joy to care for you thru the years…
My sympathy to Frank & your wonderful family. You were such an inspiration to me … keep up on that rummy game!
Love & miss you already! Until we meet again.
Cindy Paradis says
Frank, Bev, Dan and family. So sorry to hear of the loss of Bonnie. I have admired Frank and Bonnie and their beautiful family since I was just a child. She was a good example of hard work, kindness, and devotion to her husband and children. God blessed her! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Karen Lundin says
Jerry & I are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your wife, mom, and grandma,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very sad time. Bonnie was such a nice lady, l loved seeing her at church, and always with a smile on her face.
Karen & Jerry Lundin
Ellie (Mayala) Osborne says
Chris, Sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
Rich and Susan proul says
Dave and family, we are saddened to hear of the loss of your mom. May you all hold her memory close in your hearts and May she rest in eternal peace.
Steve and Jeri Mosby and family says
Dave and family we are so sorry for your loss she lived a long good life with lots of memories of kids grand kids and great grand kids you can’t beat that. May she RIP. The Mosby’s