Bernadine Louise Amestoy - Hofstad

Bernadine Louise Amestoy - Hofstad

Bernadine Louise Amestoy - Hofstad, 89, died of natural causes on Friday, March 16, 2018 at Pondera County Extended Care in Conrad.

Bernadine was born and raised on the Montana Hi-line in Hinsdale.  As a young woman she worked at the local Farmer’s Union gas station along with her brother, Art.  As luck would have it, the gas station was located directly across the street from the railroad and Hinsdale depot where a young and handsome fella was employed.  Bernadine smiled as she shared her awareness of said gentleman running from his boxcar “home” to the depot for his daily shift.  He would often visit the gas station where he and Art would have a quick game of cards.  The visits persisted and now we know!!  Within a short time, Bernadine and Harris were united in marriage . . . 54 years strong.

Bernadine and Harris were a model of love, commitment, and care for their son, Rodney, an invalid until his death at 26 years old. Those strong, capable hands and heart served her well.

Bernadine was the fifth of 11 children born to John and Louise Amestoy. Her full French blood was evident in her strong will, hard work and love of family.  Her love for children was shared with numerous kids near and far, babysitting for any and all who needed her.  They were as welcome as her own.  She invented the “time out” before it ever became “real”.  Misbehave and you had to spend time on “the bench” until YOU felt it was time to leave the bench in search of better behavior!  Bernadine’s was the place to go for a fresh cup of coffee and often fresh “buns” coming out of the oven.  She perfected crocheting and loved playing cards—pinochle and cribbage were favorites, but a game of "fish" with the grandkids was always an option!  She and Dad shared a love of baseball and were always happy to spend many hours on the bleachers watching their biggest fans play ball.    Bernadine also managed to attend to the family chore of delivering the Great Falls Tribune for over 25+ years. Through it all, she persevered without complaint. Simple (and not so simple) pleasures.

She is survived by her children; Randy (Gail) of Cut Bank, Ray (Kim) of Conrad, Becky (Jon) of Missoula, and Robyn Hofstad, of Olympia, Wash.; brother, Lavern Amestoy of Augusta, and sister, JoAnn McNamara of Spokane, Wash.; and her many loved grandchildren and great-grandchildren who would become her lifelong delight.

She was preceded in death by Harris and a son, Rodney.

We will miss you Mom.  We are happy now thinking about you, Dad, Rodney and all the others reuniting, allowing that winning smile and laugh of yours to emerge once again!

A celebration of her life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Pondera Valley Lutheran Church.

Memorials in Bernadine’s name are suggested to VFW, Front Range CASA, youth softball/teeball, Pondera Valley Lutheran Church, PMC Extended Care activities, or a charity of donor’s choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bernadine Louise Amestoy - Hofstad, please visit our floral store.