Bonnie Jean Haggard passed away peacefully on January 17, 2015 after a hard battle with cancer. She was the second of four children born April 16, 1949 to Albert and Irene Martello in Helena, Montana. She was raised in Helena and graduated from Helena High School in 1967.
Bonnie married James Haggard on January 4, 1969 in Houston, Texas. They were blessed with the arrival of their son Shane on December 9, 1970 and their daughter Krysten on June 2, 1981.
Bonnie started her career in telecommunications in Helena, MT in April 1979 at AT&T. After the breakup in 1984 she continued with Mountain Bell and moved to Billings, MT. Mountain Bell then became USWest. In 2001 USWest was merged with Qwest Communications till April 2011 when it became CenturyLink. She had over 35 years and was still going strong till her bout with cancer intervened.
Bonnie was an extraordinary person, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to name a few. She was quick to laugh and found joy in daily life. She had a way of lighting up a room, creating laughter, and making you like family.
Bonnie was diagnosed with cancer October 2010 and fought like a champion till overwhelmed by the disease. She used positive motivation, prayer, and the love of family and friends to help with her with encouragement. Her resilience was only one of the amazing traits to her electric personality.
She is survived by her husband of 46 years, James K. Haggard of Gilbert, AZ; son Robert Shane Haggard of San Tan Valley, AZ; daughter, Krysten Alysha Haggard of San Tan Valley, AZ; sisters, Rosie Wilson of Citrus Heights, CA; Nina Martello of Helena, MT; brother, Paul Martello of Helena, MT; granddaughter, Meranda Leigh Huber; grandson, Gavin James Vaughn in 2012 and a granddaughter that will soon be born.
This woman of unlimited compassion touched so many hearts and lives. She will be greatly missed by all those that she was with. The acknowledgement of her life is the love and concern to all those she touched and the love they show for her at the end of her life. She is at peace with her savior and his father showered with a love that she deserves.
Bonnie will always be in our memory and missed every day. We think of her wonderful, cheerful effect on our own lives and her unselfishness to always place others before her. In an effort to help the Haggard family a fund has been set up at www.gofundme.com/kc1xxw for those that wish to donate. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Bonnie.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
10:00 a.m.
Thursday January 22, 2015
Sovereign Grace Church
1280 N. Cooper Road
Gilbert , Arizona 85233
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
10:00 a.m.
Thursday January 22, 2015
Sovereign Grace Church
1280 N. Cooper Road
Gilbert , Arizona 85233
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Val Flansaas says
My prayers go out to all of you. Bonnie was a very special lady, friend and sister. She will be missed.
Marnette Phillips says
We’re so very sorry for your loss. Bonnie was such a fun and happy gal. She’ll be greatly missed.
Kim Liskey says
Bonnie we will forever remember your smile. We love and miss you dearly.
Paul and Lisa Sheets says
Too one amazing aunt who left us to soon. We all love you and miss you. Blessing to everyone. Wish I was there. Thanks for all the wonderful times we all had.
Dick Poepping says
To the Martello Family,
I am sorry to learn of the loss of Bonnie. Alto it has been a few years since I seen I her, it was wonderful. I remember her in school as the smiling and wonderful person she always was. I treasure all the memories. Bonnie and your family will be in my prayers.
Rest in Peace
Becky DeMartini says
Words cannot express the sorrow your family is feeling with the loss of Bonnie. Take comfort in knowing she is not in pain now and will be watching from above as your guardian angel. Bonnie always had a smile on her face and kind words to say about everything. I am glad she was able experience the joys of being a Grandma. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom Naegele says
Nina & Paul,
Healing and Supportive Prayers sent to you and your family. Bless your travels as you journey to Celebrate your Sister’s life.
Sioux Butler-Roth says
With a heavy heart, I offer you condolences for the loss of dear Bonnie. I was so blessed to know, and love Bonnie,( who kept us all in stitches–when we worked for Motor Fuels Tax Division). What a gift of wit. May your fond memories, carry you to a place of peace. I am a better person, for having known Bonnie.
Diane Kentgen says
We miss you Bon Bon! You have a beautiful family… work family… neighbor family…and friends. So glad we got to say good-bye. If you see Greg up there, say hello.
Linda Farney says
Bonnie you were a wonderful friend, happy, and loving personality always making me laugh. So strong in your battle, head held high. A new journey now Angel Bonnie looking out for us ~ I will miss you!
Jeff Wilson says
To my wonderful Aunt, I will miss you calling work to speak with me and your sister, Rosie. I am so thankful we got to spend the time in Vegas last year with you and James. I am just sadden we did not get to spend more time together. You were always so strong in your battle! I love you.
Shannon Coates Smith says
Nina,
Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. You so often spoke about your sister, Bonnie and always mentioned what a great person she was. I’m so glad to know that you were able to spend time with her recently. She is in a good place and will forever be your angel watching over you.
May God Bless You…
Chris johnson pierce says
James and family
I’m so sorry you have to let go of such a positive and bright light in your lives.
Again she was the nicest person to work with in repair and on the 16 th floor in the v .p. offices….James as you know you were the love of het life. .she always was dumbfounded when I said I said no to my hubby in bed..she’d say why would you say no ..lol…what a fun person she always had a smile on her face..I’m sad she lost her battle with cancer..but happy she is done with pain and suffering. ..I send many prayers to you her much beloved family..and I know she is hugging you always from heaven.
Sally Nyland says
Nina and Family
I really enjoyed knowing Bonnie all those years ago. I will always remember when we all played volleyball on the Helena city league back in the day. I remember her sweet smile and uplifting ways. Bonnie was a hoot. Please accept my condolences and know you are in my thoughts at this difficult time.
Meranda says
I Love You And Miss You so much Grandma
Meranda says
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Grandma Bonnie !
KATHY M LAMB says
I just found out Bonnie past away. My heart is sadden because she was a good friend when living in Billings. I hated to see her move. I’m sorry we lost contact. My prayers go out to the family.