Bonnie Burnett
courtesy photo
Bonnie Burnett
ARLEE – Bonnie Lorene McCollum Burnett, 86, passed away Friday, April 13, 2018, in Missoula, surrounded by her loving family. Bonnie died in much the same way she lived; with grace and dignity and at peace with the world.
Bonnie was born Jan. 8, 1932, in St. Ignatius, to Ralph and Louise McCollum. After high school, she worked as a telephone operator before leaving for Western Montana College in Dillon. There, her roommate had a high school yearbook where Bonnie first laid eyes on Clint Burnett of Sheridan. Bonnie soon found herself in a taffeta dress on their first blind date at the Blue Anchor in Twin Bridges. Clint and Bonnie were married in 1952, after she graduated with her teaching certificate.
Their many adventures together over almost 60 years of marriage and the raising of their five children included: life at the Arlee Fish Hatchery; transformation of the Arlee Mercantile into the restaurant and recreation center that became known as the B-Hive; the ranch where family, friends and even strangers were always welcomed at Fort Burnett; lifelong friends from Alaska to Montana; sharing of much friendship over fry bread, chokecherry syrup and serviceberry pies; and the making of many memories.
Bonnie taught first grade for many years and found great satisfaction in teaching her pupils to read. Bonnie was loved and revered by all children, those she taught and her own grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bonnie loved the Lord and all His creations, being particularly fond of horses and flowers.
She was preceded in death by parents, Ralph and Louise McCollum; brother, Bruce McCollum; husband, Clinton Burnett; son, Scott Burnett; and grandson, Christopher Burnett.
Survivors include her daughters, Monica Hanchett and Renee Howlett; sons, Clay Burnett and Darren Burnett; daughter-in-law, Colleen Burnett; seven grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Her kindness and genuine warmth were renown and she had a positive impact on everyone she came in contact with. She will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
Services have been held.
