Bonnie J. Knight

Bonnie June Salois Knight passed away peacefully on the morning of December 7, 2010 at the Masonic Home of Helena.She was 79.

She was born on June 8, 1931, to Effie Thomas and Marion Salois in Dupuyer.

Bonnie often reminisced about working at the movie theater in Deer Lodge during her high school years.

Bonnie graduated from Powell County High School on May 24, 1949. That same evening she married Francis “Bud” Knight. Bud and Bonnie began their life together ranching in Avon. Bonnie’s most treasured jobs were being a ranch wife, mother and grandmother. Bonnie worked at Welch’s Truck Stop and operated the Avon Bar with Bud.

Bonnie ventured into business, operating the Avon Café with the helping hand of her dear friend Audrey Sworder. They became known for their home-style cooking. During all of her working years, she remained alongside Bud operating the ranch and raising their four children, Marilynn, Donald, Gerald and Susan. In her free time, Bonnie enjoyed pinochle, bowling, crocheting and ceramics.

Bonnie and Bud looked forward to retirement; however, Bud passed away on January 4, 1990, at the age of 63. Bonnie was left with memories of Bud and their 41 years of herding kids, grandkids and cows.

Bonnie was greeted in heaven by her husband, Bud; her sisters, Ruby Grey-Minemeyer and Shirley Smith; her brother, John Salois; and her parents, Effie and Slim Lorance and Marion Salois.

Bonnie is missed by her children, Marilynn Pennington, Elliston, Don Knight (Lynn) of Helena, Jerry Knight (Twyla) of Avon, and Susan Knight of Big Sandy. She will be fondly remembered by her nine grandchildren, Tera Laughlin (Jay), Mandy Wright (Larry), Nicole Ashby (Taylor), Tamara Davis, Shana Davis (Ryan), Luke Davis (Kim), Corbin Knight, Zeb Knight, Tate Knight; 10 great-grandchildren, Coy, BJ, Emmy, Juna, Vaughn, Temple, Paisley, Urijah, Lawson, Maycee; and feline best friend Phil. Bonnie is also survived by her brother-in-law, Tom Smith; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

There will be a luncheon gathering of friends and family to share memories of Bonnie on Monday, December 27, at the Avon Community Clubhouse from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Memorials may be sent to the Shriners Hospitals for Children or to the Avon Community Clubhouse. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.