Bonnie Sue Crudge

We’re sure Bonnie White Crudge came kicking and screaming into the world on August 29, 1945, just as WWII was winding down. Bonnie was the first child of Beverlye White and Frank Halverson, and when her sister Laura Lee “Tiny” joined the family, Bonnie became the Big Sister and caretaker for much of their lives. In the early years, “Bonnie and Tiny” seemed like one word. Later, when they were adopted by their Grandparents Earl “Whitie” and Helen, they became Bonnie and Tiny White. Spunky and smart, Bonnie graduated from Great Falls High in 1963 and the College of Great Falls in 1972. Bonnie’s marriage to Roger Paul created three amazing children, Carla, John and Heidi. After Bonnie and Roger divorced, Bonnie married Art Crudge. Although Bonnie and Art later divorced, they were married for over 20 years, and they remained good friends. Generous to a fault, Bonnie would not only give the shirt off her back, but she also provided food and shelter for many friends and relatives. Bonnie’s quick wit often brought smiles and laughter, while her unfiltered opinions sometimes left mouths aghast. Bonnie loved playing cards, which began during the many wonderful camping excursions with Helen and Whitie. During one of those camping trips, she and Tiny were sleeping in a tent when the ground began to shake. Whitie jumped out of the camper with his 30.06, because he was sure it was a bear after the girls. He was relieved to realize it was “only” the 7.5 earthquake of August 17, 1959, that created Yellowstone’s Hebgen Lake. Her favorite games were cribbage, canasta and pinochle. Bonnie and her friend Susie often played pinochle on Fridays and played games at the City Bar on Sundays. Bonnie is survived by her children, Carla Hatlelid, John (Shauna) Paul, and Heidi Suiste; grandchildren, Zach and Disney Fisher (who Bonnie named), Roger and Montana Paul, Alyssa (Damien) Newberry, and Chris Armstrong; great-grandchildren, Lila, Johnny, Zebin, Owen Paul, and Pandora Newberry; sisters, Bobbie Loper and Cathye Zigan; and “bestest” cousin, Kathy Nyman-Wendt. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Whitie, her dear great aunt and uncle Faith and Ben Anderson; birth parents, Frank Halverson and Beverlye Bubnash; and sisters, Linda Lou Kasavage and Laura Lee Marchington. Grandma Bonnie ❤ I'm blessed to have had such an amazing grandmother. She laughed louder and loved harder. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind and she wouldn't stand down to anyone. My grandma Bonnie was never the type to give up. Nothing could stop her from doing exactly what she wanted. She always gave the best gifts and never cared about a price tag when it came to helping people. She taught me the value of an education and how to be a decent person. I could always ask my grandma for advice and I was never afraid to let her know what was going on in my life. I'm going to miss her hugs and her humor. I'm gonna miss her advice and I'm gonna miss her ham and potato soup. Grandmas words of wisdom and kindness will stay with me for the rest of my life. My grandma will not be forgotten. Love, Christopher Armstrong