Bonita Lou Barbara (Morrill) Vandervort

Bonita Lou Barbara (Morrill) Vandervortt died, February 11 following a brave battle with cancer.

Bonnie was born to Russell and Margaret (Siverly) on October 22, 1942. She was the oldest of 5, and cared for her siblings, enjoying base ball and other games with the children of her neighborhood.

Losing her mother at the tender age of 5, she and her siblings and father were blessed with the loving mother, Charlotte Mae (Zell) Morrill, who raised them as her own.

Bonnie graduated from Bradford High School, 1961 in Kenosha Wisconsin. She married and raised her family. Following the death of her husband, She returned to college and received her degree in Restaurant Management. She traveled around the country, finally meeting and being united in marriage to Steve Vandervort in New Auburn Wisconsin December 7, 1991. In the late 1990’s, they moved to Sidney Montana to be close to her daughters. She made her last trip to Texas December 2010.

She was an accomplished seamstress, and enjoyed playing with and learning the newest computer technologies. Bonnie enjoyed cooking, gardening and canning vegetables, and never forgot the birthdays and anniversaries of her extended family. She was never afraid to take on a challenge.

She is survived by her husband, Steven Paul Vandervort, Sidney Montana. Her daughter, Marjorie (Ronald) Dahle of Bowie, Texas, her son, Roger (Shellie) Lindley of Amarillo Texas and her daughter Sheila Ohlin of Sidney Montana. 10 grand children and 2 great grandchildren. Three brothers, Danny (Lu) Morrill and James Morrill of Ft Atkinson Wisconsin, Gary (Barb) Morrill, Fredric Wisconsin and one sister Linda Wickline, Kenosha Wisconsin. Numerous nieces and nephews. She also claimed and adopted many friends, into her family

Bonnie was preceded in death, and greeted in heaven by her loving parents, Margaret (Siverly) Morrill, Russell Morrill, and Charlotte (Zell) Morrill, one niece, Carla Morrill, one nephew, Darrell Lindley, grandparents and aunts and uncles, and her first husband, Willie Lee Lindley.

Bonnie has requested that internment be by her children, at the sites of her parents and first husband (Golden MS, Kenosha Wisconsin & Chetek Wisconsin). To honor this request, her children will pilgrimage in the early spring, and a memorial will be held in Kenosha Wisconsin to celebrate her life. For any one wishing information on the time and place, please contact a family member.

In lieu of flowers, honorariums to help defer the cost of the pilgrimage or Memorials may be sent to 367 Indian School road, Bowie Texas 76234.

Honorary Pallbearers

Honorary Pallbearers

Friends:

Dave Meehan,

Bill Cundiff,

Larry Knels

Sonny (Wilmer) Lorenz

Michael Tac Buchanan

Her grandsons:

Ryan Dahle

Aaron Kringen

Juan Soban

Carl Soban

Brandon Kringen

Erik Ohlin

Clayton Lindley

Todd Ohlin

What a glorious morning

Today I awoke a little after 8am, and my first thought was, "Oh my gosh, Mom" as usually I would be up by 6 to start her morning needs and breakfast.  I was into the hall way thing, wow I overslept, before registering what had transpied the previous day. What a hit to the gut! Instant pangs of missing mom. 

As hard as it was to let her go, I am so grateful that Roger-Tressa-Christine-Keira the monsters and Ron were here, as we were able to console on another in a way that only family can do.  What mixed blessing to be so saddened by the loss of a parent, but to have the privalaged joy of little feet and giggles romping around, what would have been an awful time.  Those little guys will never know what an important role they played in my heart ache.  They always make me smile and remind me of the purpose of our time here on this earth.  Their sweet little faces are God's pure love magnified a bazillion times over.

I am so glad the Steve was here with family, and not alone.  Although he has a great and wonderful church family in Sidney, who have been there for him every step of the way.  He has received so many calls-cards and emails.  I cannot express how much it has ment to him to keep in touch with those is has grown close to.

I will include mom's obituary, that will post in the following newspapers: Sidney, MT-Bowie, TX-Amarillo, TX-Chetek WI-and Kenosha

Because of the distance, and mother natures relentless blast of unpredictable weather, Roger and I felt it would be easier for us to travel to Kenosha, than for everyone to attempt to travel here.  Mom's wishes were to be cremated and her ashes interned with her parents and my dad, we will be making the journey sometime in the spring-early summer, and have a grand celebration of her life, including the songs of her choice which included her favorite "Hank Williams".  Roger and I always knew when she was mad, sad or ready tokill someone, swhen we came home and found ol Hank Blasting on the record player.  We knew it was- stay clear of mom time!! Ha ha

As I requested before, please keep the stories and memories coming, as we will be compiling a scrapbook of sorts to share at her memorial.  I think it will be fun for all to see and share.

Again, I want to thank everyone who has so diligently called, or written in which ever capacity.  It has been inspirering for us all.

Luv to all

Mom's Passing

Mom was greeting by those loved ones who have passed before her, about 2pm today. We are all so thankful and blessed by the experience of caring for her needs in these final days. Although short, her time here in Texas was filled with memories and happy times.

She enjoyed all the company who came to see her, the phone calls, cards and emails. To all who sent them, thank you for the bright spots in her day. She looked forward to seeing who wrote to her or posted on her blog or face book. It was one of our favorite times in the morning. Much more fun than the pokes and prods she endured do to her condition.

She really enjoyed all the emails from her cousin Pat, he child hood friend Paul and her Sister in Law Margaret. Thank you for never forgetting her, and NO-you were never bothering or interrupting anything that could not wait.

Mom always joked she would come back to haunt those 'who done her wrong' but I know she is just another angle among us. I am so grateful to Heavenly Father for allowing her to pass from this earth is a calm and peaceful way. She was so scared of being in pain or going through trauma. Just proves Heavenly Father knows his stuff!!!

Roger and I have decided to return Mom to Kenosha. She has requested to be cremated, so we will honor her wishes. Due to the long distance and cost of travel these days, Roger and I will plan a memorial in Kenosha later this spring or early summer. We will celebrate her life were it began so many years ago. I think it will make for a grand reunion of sorts, and give everyone a chance to make plans to attend who wish to and are able. She was against a traditional funeral, as she didn't want anyone “boo-hoo'n” as she put it. I think the memorial to celebrate her life at Washington Park perhaps, or one of the parks were she spent time with her family and friends as a child.

As we develop plans, we will certainly keep everyone posted, and accept suggestions. For now, enjoy your families, and appreciate those you love. They are very precious, and you never know when Heavenly Father will call you or a loved one home. Make every day special while you have the chance.

I have one request. Please take some time to write a short or long, note about how mom may have affected your life, or a great story to share. I think it would be amazing to put them together in a book and share them at the memorial.

Luv to all

Today is Friday

I wish I had better news for everyone, including me! Mom slipped into a peaceful sleep last night and has rested comfortably since.  She appears to be free of pain and comfortable. The things I continue to pray for.  It is not easy watching her slip further and further away, but I am finding comfort in faith and the love of Christ, and know she will soon be with friends and family she has missed and longed for.  In the comfort of the arms of Heavenly Father now, and her fight  is slowly coming to an end.

What great strength there is is knowing, that although we may suffer challenges in our lives for our short time while we are here on this earth, we reap great rewards for our eternity.  No matter the trial or tribulation in my life, I am always able to find solace in the truth of Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father.  I almost cannot fathom that Christ came to this earth, for the pure purpose of the love of man and to insure their immortality.  How undeserving I am of that love and promise. Yet, the promise of that love is all a person needs to get them through the toughest of times, we need only to embrace it. The greatest proof of a Fathers love. Just as we, as parents, do our best to protect our children and do our best to protect them from themselves.

Luv to all for a blessed day, and don't forget to tell the ones you love, you love the.

A Quiet day

Mom was blessed with a wonderful afternoon yesterday, and an awesome conversation with Roger. I had gone into town for an appointment. The morning was sad, as mom was not really coherent, and struggled trying to find a comfortable place.  She was very weak, and needed 100% attention.  My awesome mother in law came to care for mom while I was gone.  Upon my return, mom was on the phone with Roger, and had eaten sherbet ice cream (her favorite) and had drank more water in half an hour than in the past 3 days!  It was wonderful to have her back, even if it was for a short time.  She had a very restful night, and a plesant day today.  She still sleeps most of the time, but appears to be comfortable and pain free.

Hospice brought her an air mattress today, to try to make her more comfortable.  Things just get sore, when you lay in the same place most of the time.  I try to get her to lay to her side, but doesn't last long, as her hip hurts her so bad.  What ever she want, in order to keep her comfy.

We were blessed with 5 of the cutest lab puppies today.  Tressa's dog woke Christine up about 1am.  Guess the proud papa knew his honey might need help.  Tressa stayed up with her, I went back to bed, as Tressa & Lucy(the mama) appeared to have everything under control.
I awoke this morning to find a head count of 3.  By 10am -the count was 4 boys- 1 girl.  All the darker yellow lab. Cute Cute Cute!!!!







I am excited to see my little monster men and my favorite daughter in law (and the baby granddaughter she' pack'n) tomorrow.  They are coming over to hang out.  Think we will make cookies! In case you didn't get it from the previous sentences, I kinda like my monsters and their mama allot!!!!!!!!! Really allot! She's a most spectacular mother! The boys are recovering from double ear infections. Poor guys.  Gramma cuddle time should be great medicine! (if not for them it will be the best medicine for me)

We are expecting another cool 10 degrees during the night.  BUT-YEA-warming up from here.  60's over the weekend and into the upper 70's Thursday next week! I am soooooo ready for spring!!!!!



Well onward and forward. Hope everyone is having a wonderful evening. I want to thank everyone again who has sent mom emails and cards, or called and sent face-book messages.  I read them all to her.  We are all grateful for the prayers.  My prayers for her now primarily are for her peace and comfort.
 It is important to her to not be alone.  She is never alone, ad the girls are here and between us all, we have been able to insure all her needs are promptly met. 

I am so blessed to have this time with her, and am so grateful to all those who had a hand in getting her here without incident.  I praise God for his enormous hand in accomplishing all the things that have been needed, and seem almost magically to come together. Not magic, just the big man's hands all over it! So glad Faith and Prayers are such awesome gifts from our Heavenly Father.  How amending it is to understand how his grace and love nurture us and protect us from ourselves!

Luv to all, hug your luved ones tight!

Tuesday February 8

Once again, we are bracing for COOOOLD weather.  7 degrees tomorrow night! Wa hoo! Not!!! I am ready for summer.  Spring planting usually starts about mid March.  I bet the green houses are suffering this year.  I will stay toasty warm in the house. Cuz I will stay In the House!

My poor lab is so fat and even she gets to be in the house. She is due any day, and looks like she might have about 20 pups! Guess all pregnant females feel that way.

Mom is slowly slipping away from us. She is comfortable and free of pain, which is the goal I set and am currently accomplishing.  We have many conversations, which change rapidly from one subject to the next, but she appears to be happy and not stressing so that gives me comfort.

I find myself seeking Heavenly Fathers comfort more and more.  Guess I actually take time to  pray more rather than pray when I have time!!!! Is it not sad that it takes lessons in our life's to allow things to affect us to make better choices? We need to learn forward, not back words.....
Please continue the prayers for peace and comfort for mom, they are working.

Luv to all!

Always Preparing

Have you ever noticed, we are always preparing? The next meal, what to have for supper? What to wear to work? Which shoes go with that outfit? Ok-so maybe that is girlie thing!!!! The new snow storm we are expected to get on Tuesday night, oh wait that is today!!! Better get prepared!!

But the biggest preparation, we all put off, is our immortality. We all have our own way of preparing. Most of the time, we always think, we have so much time. For mom her time is now short.  She was preparing before Roger and I mad it to Montana to get her in December.  She had found all her important papers, made sure I knew were everything was, and bills she had paid, but been double billed for....they weren't getting any more of her money!!! We are always preparing. Now as the time grows, closer, even I have been preparing for mom's departure from this world, or have I.  I still think there is more time, to say all the things I need to say, do all i things I need to do......but in the end are any of us ever ready?

Mom's speech is slow and almost inaudible now. She can no longer drink through the straw. Now is the time for me to prepare for what awaits int he coming days. I am so glad Roger, Shellie and Clayton were able to be here this weekend, along with Tress and Christine.  She so enjoyed the company.  She needed to say goodbye.  After they all left, she said she was glad she could visit with them, and knew it would be the last time she would see Roger.  How proud she was of Clayton and the girls. How awesome Brandon was doing, and what a fine young man he had become. How proud she was of her Grandkids.  She was so happy that Roger had done such a fine job of making a wonderful life for his family.

She was happy to have been able to finally get to Texas (our house) and so have seen the beautiful home Roger and Shellie had built.  She gave me a few praises as well, that I humble accepted.

She was also so grateful that her brothers and Sister had been able to make it down, while she was still able to get around

It has been terrible hard to watch her body fail, but I am grateful to the Lord that he allowed her mind to stay sharp, so that she could communicate her wishes, her love and her needs.

I am so thankfull that I have had this opportunity to care for her, and to make her remaining time as comfortable and peaceful as possible. I wouldn't have changed that for the world.  Our parents give us so much, it is only a tiny way I can repay all she has done for me over the years.

Please pray for her comfort and  know that she loves you all.  We thank everyone for all the prayers an, calls and emails.  They are all so appreciated.

Luv to all-Make time to talk to our Heavenly Father and remember to tell the ones you love you love 'em!!! Cuz before ya know it, they will have slipped away..................

Go Packers!!!!

Well, I cheered for the Steelers to day just to keep Ron and Steve fired up.  It worked! Ron was late getting home, so I DVR'd it for him, and we didn't skip through he commercials, since we all know the commercials are the best part. So just as the clock rolled down to 2:07 minutes left,....wait for it.... yep you got it. Stopped recording and went to GLEE. Not a good thing for Mr. Ron.  He is just not the musical type. More the watch em kill some'thin on the hunting channel!

It is a good thing the Packers won, cuz if the Steelers had won, I think he might have gone postal!

He did get to see a few more of the last second high lights on the NFL daily show or what ever it  is called so all is well.

It was a good game.  I had to stay a closet cheese head until the end.  Really, how much fun would it have been to have all three of us cheering on the Packers with absolutely no opposition????

Roger, Shellie and Clayton left about noonish I think.  Roger and Clayton have a standing Super Bowl Party date tradition that started when Clayton was in kindergarten or first grade.  What a great tradition.  I know Roger is still a huge Packer fan, so I'm beating there was allot of cerebrating going on!

Since there is not much going on at work this week, I plan to stay home with MOM tomorrow rather than make the trek into Fort Worth.

Saturday was a wonderfully warm day, compared to the freezing temps we have endured the past week.  I saw posts on facebook that Texas must be either schizophrenic or bipolar-literally!! haha

Hope everyone enjoyed there Super Bowl Sunday festivities, and that 'your' team won.

Luv to all, and don't forget to tell the ones you luv, that you luv 'em!

Super Bowl Saterday

Yep, it has been a super day.  So nice when family is around.  Roger, Shellie and Clayton arrived early this afternoon. As did my redheads! Cooper and Jessie too.  SO we have the Hotel Dahle in the living room.  It is amazing how many beds fit in my living room! haha

Ron can home this evening, not feeling very well.

I have a house full of Packer fans, so guess I will have to  bet on the Steelers, just to add a bit of interest to the game. (But since I am from Wisconsin, guess I secretly am hoping for the Packers-Just don't tell anyone pleaze!!)


Now that the blizzard/ice storm has come and gone, all the crazies were out at Walmart.  You know it is busy when they have traffic patrol in the store directing carts.

Mom has rested most of the day.  She is sleeping more and more, and eating less and less.  Breakfast was, tomato soup and ice cream.  But if she will eat, I will cook whatever she wants. She has enjoyed having Roger, his family and the girls here and visited for a while between naps.

Luv to all, and hope your 'team' wins tomorrow!!!!

Super Bowl Saterday

Yep, it has been a super day.  So nice when family is around.  Roger, Shellie and Clayton arrived early this afternoon. As did my redheads! Cooper and Jessie too.  SO we have the Hotel Dahle in the living room.  It is amazing how many beds fit in my living room! haha

Ron can home this evening, not feeling very well.

I have a house full of Packer fans, so guess I will have to  bet on the Steelers, just to add a bit of interest to the game. (But since I am from Wisconsin, guess I secretly am hoping for the Packers-Just don't tell anyone pleaze!!)


Now that the blizzard/ice storm has come and gone, all the crazies were out at Walmart.  You know it is busy when they have traffic patrol in the store directing carts.

Mom has rested most of the day.  She is sleeping more and more, and eating less and less.  Breakfast was, tomato soup and ice cream.  But if she will eat, I will cook whatever she wants. She has enjoyed having Roger, his family and the girls here and visited for a while between naps.

Luv to all, and hope your 'team' wins tomorrow!!!!

Friday the 4th

Mom is spending most of the time sleeping. Eating and drinking are not high on her priority list.
I wish I could wave a magic wand and make her all better. Wish full thinking. I guess I just don't like having my mom sick.

I feel very blessed to have the privilege to care for her when she needs help the most.  I have enjoyed hearing the same old stories about her child hood and her child hood. For obvious reasons they have allot more meaning now. I am so grateful that I have this time to spend with her now.  I am do very thankful Roger and & I were able to bring her down when we did. She gets to be with those who love her.

It is very hard to watch her body fail her so.  Never easy to accept the inevitable.  Why is it that we all live day after day, and forget to recognize the importance of what we do and who we affect each day.

If only we would all treat each day as if it were our last! If only we would each treat each other as though it may be the last time we see each other!  If only we would treat each other the way God intended us to treat our fellow man!

The world would then be perfect!!

Thanks for letting me vent.......Luv to all and remember to tell the ones you love, you love em!!!

Hump day!

It's hump day. Not the typical middle of the week kinda hump day, but the fact that we are through the worst of the cold weather here in Texas.  I think our high today was 15.  Suppose to get to -2 tonight.  For those of  you up north, I know this is just a normal winter day, but for us Texans (and yes I am officially a Texan-I was told when you have been here a year, your official-so I'm gonna go with that!!!) It is too freak'n cold!

Down here they don't bury water lines 6 ft deep, in fact most homes don't even have them buried! I am so glad we put in new insulation in our home remodel (ok-actually home  rebuild) but we still have not gotten the insulation into the attic!!! The heat bill is a bit ridiculous, but we are  keeping  warm.

I am not gonna complain to much, as it is going to warm up Saturday into the upper 50's.  Those up north are going to be stuck with snow for a long long time. I worry about the melt and then the flooding! Never a dull moment. Do you suppose it's mother natures sense of humor or is she just plain pissed off at the world. I know a few people like that! ha ha

We received a picture from moms cousin, showing the snow after they plowed, was up toi his armpit!  I'll just keep my 3-4 inches.  We don't even own a snow shovel.  Real Texans just let it melt!

For those of you who have been sending mom messages and emails, I have been reading them to her and she truly lights up. Her child hood friend who now lives in Alaska,(Way toooo cold for me-but Ron wants to visit so maybe someday) has written several times, and shared old memories.  Sure makes her smile!!!

She is having less pain, so her pain meds are down. Hope that is a good thing, but not sure.  About the time I think I have it figured out, it changes, so I guess I will just keep going with the flow.

Well it's official, we ran out of propane. Guess I spoke too soon earlier in this post. The truck was scheduled for Tuesday, but, well the weather--they are not running.  No worries, we have electric heaters, and mom is nice and toasty.  Ron is currently picking the heaters up from the storage unit.  We never get bored around here, that is for sure.

Roger and his family will be here for the weekend. Mom is looking forward to seeing Clayton(Roger's son) again.  She didn't get much time with Shellie (Rogers wife) when we brought mom & Steve down from Montana, so maybe they can get some time this trip.  I am glad it is not that far to Amarillo.  About 4 1/2 hours, although with the roads may take longer.  I am sure under the circomstances, it gets to be a very long drive for Roger.

I love hang'n with Clayton. I have been fortunate to have had two super great trips with  him this year! He is a blast.  I am sure he thinks I'm just his weird 'old' crazy aunt, not necessarily in that order!!!

I have 4 more online tests to take (Continuing Education Units) as required to maintain my weed sprayer license.  Guess tonight would be a good night to get that done, while it is quiet. I have fought with my computer today, getting a log in failure message at login! ugg. so I just cheated and used mom's.  I will have to tackle that as well.  Like I said, never a dull moment around here!!!!

Stay warm, and tell the ones ya love, ya luv 'em!!!

Luv to all, and may God bless

It's a bit frosty here!

Today's high, was a warm 14 degrees. We currently have below zero wind chills.  This is hardest on the animals I think.  We are warm and cozy in our little shack on the flat!  As long as the power does not go out.

We have a generator, but like usual, it is not ready.  It is in the shed. Hoping it just can stay there!!!

Mom has slept the day away.  Awake long enough to each a few bites, but she has really rested. She has not done that for weeks.  Maybe she can catch up on some rest, and gain some strength back.  She is not asking for pain meds, so she's not hurting near as much. 

One of the side affects is rash and itching.  It seems to migrate. It was worst on her arm, a week ago or so, didn't itch for the first 5 days, then she pretty much wanted a wire brush to scratch with!.  It is now very prevalent on her back side.  Not a good place to be uncomfortable when you spend allot of time on your back in  bed.  I think the worst of it is over.

Hoping the propane truck comes on Wednesday.  Getting a bit low, but we have the old standby electric heaters, just in case.  I stocked up on most everything, I think, so other than watching from the inside out, and having to go out and do chores, not so bad.

I felt so bad for Ron.  He was out in it all day chasing compressors that kept dying and running wells. I really just do not miss the cold north winters.  This week is Heavenly fathers way of reminding me to appreciate the great south weather.  I would still rather have the few days of cold, than the multiple months were I come from.  You Eskimos have keep your snow! lol

Better get back to work.  It is wonderful to be able to work from home! Stayed in my PJ's all day, with the exception of the sasquatch suit I put on to go out and feed critters, who I might add, were very happy to see me!!!!!

Enjoy your evening and keep warm, The first pic is from Feb 12 last year, the snow is much deeper this year.  The second pic is my poor olyanders.  They were so heady with ice and snow they are bent to the ground.  They stand about 7-8 ft tall.

Luv to all from the frozen tundra...............