A beautiful reunion took place on November 23, 2019. Bonnie Ann Jones joined her husband and best friend Jack, who had passed two months earlier and was waiting in heaven with a huge smile and wide open door. She was 86 years old, and true to the magical bond they shared, joined him on the evening of his 89th birthday.
Bonnie was born on June 22nd, 1933 in East Helena, the youngest of four children born to John and Helen Petek. She attended St. Ann’s grade school and Helena Cathedral High School. She then was trained as a dental assistant in Chicago and returned to Helena to work with Dr. Radley at Helena Dentistry.
In 1954, a handsome young man from Oklahoma came into the dental office with a serious toothache. During the visit, he became more interested in the bright and charming dental assistant than in the repair of his tooth – and a lifelong romance began. On January 23rd, 1955, she married George “Jack” Jones at St. Cyril and Methodius and thus began an incredible, shared journey that would continue until their deaths.
Bonnie and Jack were blessed with seven children. It started with four boys, George (Mary), Walt (Cindy), John and Lindy (Colleen) followed by three girls, Mary (Troy) Smith, Anna (Steve) Thennis and Katherine – the latter who died at birth. “Bonnie and Jack” were the parents everyone admired, and they completely dedicated their lives to their faith and family. Every night, Bonnie would shoo the kids outside (except for the designated Kool-Aid maker) and then welcome them back in with a warm, perfectly cooked meal. Sundays were for going to Mass and then to Lucky’s Fountain for penny candy. As the kids grew older, the back yard looked more like a baseball field, and her precious flowers and garden would take a beating. Growing up on Groschell Street in East Helena, they were surrounded by kind, adventurous and caring neighbors who continue to be lifelong friends. In addition to their own six children, there was always a welcome mat for family and friends, the kids’ schoolmates, and any and all stray animals (unless they required a saddle).
Bonnie and Jack not only cared for their children but also for Grandpa John Petek after his stroke and for Helen Petek as she failed and entered her 90s. Their love for each other, for their children and for all people, although not flashy, was something much better – constant, unconditional, accepting, and forgiving.
Beginning in the early 1980s, grandchildren made their way into their lives. Mom and Dad became “Papa Jack” and “Grandma Bonnie” and they soon ran out of Christmas stockings for all of the grandchildren: Judy Ann, Nicole, Kristin, Mark, Megan, Katherine, John, Matthew, Liam, Abby, Clancy, Bonnie , Mollee, Micah, Rosie, Ryan, Elizabeth, Derrick, Colby, Savannah, Jackson, Maria and Andrew. Many of the grandkids now have started their own families and added 9 great grandchildren to the legacy of Jack and Bonz: Jackson, Addy, Azlynn, Koa, Samuel, Willa, Benjamin, Jack Patrick and Owen.
In the last few years, Bonnie suffered from Parkinson’s disease, but put up an amazing fight, and even graduated from her first round of Hospice in 2017. Jack never left her side, and through her suffering her gratitude, sense of humor and grace were nothing short of heroic. She was carried by the love and consistent care of others, especially her “Sunshine Angel” grandchildren – and, textbook to the structure and beauty of Hospice assisted care, the love, faith and inspiration worked both ways. Even in the darkest hours, there was always a positive and appreciative light in her eyes. To witness and participate in her grace and strength was and is a gift that is beyond words.
There are so many people that were part of their lives. Jack and Bonnie’s dying wish, true to their grateful spirits, was to thank the incredible people who supported them in their final years. When they asked to prepare their obituaries in the summer of 2019, we could never get past the four page “thank you” list in one session.
They felt incredibly blessed for the support of the entire St. Peter’s Hospice team and the attention and prayers of Angie, who cared for both of them. Also, as a special ending, our cousin Cathy Beard helped Mom and family pull through the final month and days – and best of all, kept a smile on Mom’s face. Mom and Dad’s greatest fear was to end their journey away from home, and because of Hospice services and people including Father Tom O’Donnell and our neighbor/nurse practitioner, Kathleen Hunthausen, they both passed in the comfort of the home and life they treasured. Until they very end, they remained the same two people who had fallen in love over 60 years before, and they maintained their dignity, good spirits and grace.
Death is never just for the dying. Bonnie and Jack are at peace, in their togetherness and their communion with God. We are all the better for their life and for their peaceful deaths which point us all to the greater horizons of love, faith and kindness that marked each and every day of their lives.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Pete’s Hospice Services, Helena Food Share, or St. Ann’s Cemetery – but most importantly, Mom and Dad asked all friends and family to undertake a small act of kindness or service to others in their memory.
A vigil will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 1st at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, December 2nd at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church 120 W. Riggs in East Helena. Burial will follow the Mass at St. Ann’s Cemetery. A reception will follow the graveside service in the fellowship hall of the church. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Bonnie.
Service Schedule
Vigil
4:30 pm
Sunday December 1, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 pm
Monday December 2, 2019
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs
East Helena , Montana 59635
Graveside Service
Following the Funeral Mass
Monday December 2, 2019
St Anns Cemetery
East Helena , Montana 59635
Funeral Reception
Following the burial
Monday December 2, 2019
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs
East Helena , Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Vigil
4:30 pm
Sunday December 1, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana
Helena , Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:00 pm
Monday December 2, 2019
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs
East Helena , Montana 59635
Graveside Service
Following the Funeral Mass
Monday December 2, 2019
St Anns Cemetery
East Helena , Montana 59635
Funeral Reception
Following the burial
Monday December 2, 2019
SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs
East Helena , Montana 59635
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Curtis Stanghill says
Sorry for you loss, losing your parents together is very hard. Prayers are with you all
Aggie Frankino says
Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. Your mother was a wonderful woman and always so proud of all of you.
My you find comfort in each other and all your happy memories.
Aggie Frankino says
Thinking of all of you during this difficult time. Your mother was a wonderful woman and always so proud of all of you.
My you find comfort in each other and all your happy memories. God bless.
Roberta Stipcich says
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a dear friend who lived her life according to Gods will. She raised her family and was so proud of all of you. She loved your Dad deeply. They were truly an example of what a family should be. And now she can Rest In Peace with your Dad at her side like he always was. What truly remarkable people who will be missed.
Mitchell Hegman says
My thoughts are with the whole family. Your family is one that makes East Helena a great place to be from and a great place to live.
Debbie Hrella DeMers says
Jones family-
There has never been a kinder, more loving and spiritual women. Your Mother guided and loved everyone with her faith. She has always held a special place in my heart. As a young newlywed 49 years ago, she embraced and welcomed me each day at Mass. Now she is with the King!
Becky and Dave Powell says
Jones Family: Your parents were remarkable and wonderful role models for all of us and the East Helena community. The loss is great, and the legacy goes on. They are not forgotten.
Nicole Jones Watson says
For My Family,
It began with these two. The legacy that is being a “Jones”. Sitting at Granny’s with Grandma Bonnie and Papa Jack and the ENTIRE rest of the family in attendance when in E. Helena. This means lots of Aunts and Uncles, tons of Cousins. Being a small rug rat during these gatherings was AMAZING. I learned first hand what FAMILY meant. It meant, laughing and practical joking, it meant playing outside and sometimes the grown ups would come and play catch with us. It meant learning how to perfect the gravy and what blood sausage actually is. I learned that it wasn’t just my parents and my sister in our family… it was Granny, Papa Jack, Gramma Bonnie, Aunts and Uncles, cousins … and about 10 GREAT Aunts and Uncles and 1000 second, third and fourth cousins! Then, sometimes we would get a random Aunt or Uncle when someone decided to adopt someone into this Family. This is what being a “Jones” is. It’s Family. It’s open arms and caring hearts. It’s looking past blood and offering a home to those who maybe don’t any great hope. THANK YOU! Because of what I learned at Granny’s all those years back, my doors are open to not only family but my entire neighborhood! Wherever I’ve gone this has been the way I live… (even before having my own children, I housed and fed wayfaring children from across my street…) I will do my best to impart the “Jones” into my children. They already show signs of this condition, probably because your Home had become Granny’s House in their world. I’m thankful for OUR legacy!
Until we meet again,
Nicole, Kit, Aizlynn and Koa
Paula (Nickovich) Tocci says
I’m so sorry for your loss!! Bonnie and Jack’s home was always open to us East Helena kids! I’ve never known a more loving and caring family! I will surely miss my visits with them every time I come home from Texas! East Helena will never be the same! It saddens me that I will not be able to attend the service but please know my love and prayers are with you all!! Bonnie and Jack…love you forever!❤️
Kathy Branaugh says
Just heard about your mom. Having gone through being a caregiver I know it is hard to give them up but be assured they are in a better place. They are together.
Mary Jean (Rigler) DeGroat says
So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. It is heartbreaking to lose a parent. You were blessed to have such a great family.
I am one of your many distant cousins. Mary Rigler Petek was my great aunt.
My prayers are with you all.
Sandi Coyle Benson says
Thinking of all of you at this most difficult time. May she be at peace with your Dad. Know you are in my thoughts. May the day ahead bring peace and understanding for all.
Mark Ryckman says
My thoughts and prayers for all the family. Jack and Bonnie were the best example of love, family and faith ever.
Wilda and Bill McGraw says
Dear Mary and family,
Please know that we are thinking of you at this time of sadness, and sending our heartfelt condolences. As you celebrate your parents amazing lives, we hope you find comfort in your many wonderful memories. We are sending our love and prayers.
Bill Dolan says
From the Dolan families to the Jones’, our deepest sympathy and condolences. I always felt better when I was around Bonz. I have many wonderful memories, but two stand the test of time. Watching Bonnie perform the chicken dance was truly a sight to see. The second is even better. The Helena IR thought they would be cute and make fun of the Smelter Stack during Christmas. We all fondly remember when the stack was decorated like a Christmas tree. The IR decided to write a derogatory poem (if you could call it that) using the theme of ” Oh Christmas tree” to disparage our long-standing tradition. Well, Bonnie let ’em have it as only a true EH girl could! They broke the mold with Jack and Bonnie. East Helena proud! Bill Dolan
Glen J Cuchine says
Jones Family, What a remarkable lady. I’ll forever have fond memories of “Jack and Bonnie”. My thoughts are with you all at this time.
Lorrine Donovan says
My heart goes out the Jones family. Many fond memories. Yes they are reunited in heaven and Jack took her hand and will continue to take care of her. The one thing that was important to the Petek family was family and Bonnie and Jack included everyone as family. Hugs and prayers to the family.
Denny Hunthausen says
Dear Jones family – Sending love and condolences as you mourn the passing of your Mom, Grandma and matiarch. So many good memories of growing up on W. Groschell with the Joneses and Bonnie was at the heart of all of it. She was always interested in what you were up to and how you were doing. If at first you thought she was nosy, you would soon understand the genuine love and care she had for you….not to mention all the praying on your behalf that brought out the best in our guardian angels, which we needed! I will truly miss stopping by to see Bonnie and Jack on visits home to EH. No matter how far you may have traveled, they were always a welcoming and grounding presence that immediately gave you a sense of where you came from and who you are because of it.
Vanessa Tolson says
Thoughts and prayers to the family at this difficult time. May God bless you all.
Pat Dietrich says
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jonna L Lea says
Deepest condolences and prayers for you & yours. Both of your folks were very kind sweet people, I often looked forward to seeing them where I worked. Always loving and kind. I will miss seeing them.
Kevin Bartsch says
Anna- I’m very sorry for your loss. What a tribute and what a life of love and devotion your parents had! Take care.
Mike LaVigne says
I met Bonnie once- Mary and I were friends when we worked together in Billings. Jack and Bonnie were the heart and soul of East Helena. My condolences, and I would like to extend my appreciation who those who wrote the obituary. It was exceptional.
Tony Hunthausen, Jr says
Dear Jones family,
I wanted to express my sincere condolences on the passing of your dear mom, grandma, and aunt. I was a little older than your bunch being 5 yrs ahead of George, but still have vivid memories of Bonnie and Jack as super welcoming and kind neighbors who always wanted to be filled in on how you were doing and what you were up to. Bonnie’s passing is the end of an era in our little section of W. Groschell. She will be missed but with very fond memories.