Clara Anna Haines Bonneau, age 93, died at noon of natural causes surrounded by family on Sunday, August 17, 2014. Clara was born on September 5, 1920 in the family homestead in Forsyth, Montana to Hans Freestad and Gertrude Nelson Freestad. Clara was the youngest of ten children.
Clara’s long life is characterized by her love for God, family, and friends. Clara married Albert D. Haines in Marysville, Washington in 1944. She raised four children along with her step-son Jim Haines in Eastern Montana living in Miles City, Forsyth, Glendive, Sidney, and Wibaux, before settling in Helena in 1962. Clara’s husband worked as a day-laborer to provide for the family while Clara took in ironing, cleaned homes, and did other work over the years to care for her family. She always made sure there was meat, potatoes, a vegetable and dessert for family dinners around the table– a tradition she passed on to the following generations.
Clara was devoted to her husband Albert until his death from cancer in 1981. She also worked as a Senior Companion in Helena for nearly 10 years. She was an active member and volunteer at Helena First Assembly of God since 1963. Clara married Edward Bonneau in Helena in 1982, caring for him until his death in 2000.
Clara excelled at cooking, sewing, quilting, embroidery, knitting and crocheting. Her talents are treasured by her family and friends who were recipients of her handmade gifts. She also enjoyed camping and traveling to visit the special people in her life.
Clara was preceded in death by husbands Edward Bonneau and Albert Haines; son Richard Haines; brothers, Henry, Hans and Gus Freestad; sisters, Josie Thorson, Lillian Nelson, Agnes Hunter, Norma Hill, Tilda Hodges, and Helen Freestad.
Clara is survived by her children Rosalie (Paul) McManus, Joyce (Ken, deceased) Squires, Patricia (Ronald) Garvin, James A. (Barbara) Haines, twenty grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Today, August 20 at the Helena First Assembly of God, 2210 Dodge Ave. A reception will follow the funeral service in the social hall at the church. Burial will follow the reception at Forestvale Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 19, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 20, 2014
Helena First Assembly of God
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the funeral service
Wednesday August 20, 2014
Helena First Assembly of God
2210 Dodge Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the reception
Wednesday August 20, 2014
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday August 19, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday August 20, 2014
Helena First Assembly of God
2210 Dodge Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the funeral service
Wednesday August 20, 2014
Helena First Assembly of God
2210 Dodge Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the reception
Wednesday August 20, 2014
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
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Marla Jacoby says
Cindy, Gary, Joyce, Pat and all other family not mentioned by name… I just wanted to express my sympathy and prayers to your family. May our LORD JESUS comfort you in your time of loss.
Sincerely, Marla Jacoby and Paul Mousseau
Bert Langston says
Sending you prayers and condolences in this time of loss.