Bonetia Lee (Cornish) Greavu

Bonetia Lee Greavu passed away October 9, 2020 peacefully at the home of her daughter Trayce in Great Falls, MT.  Bonnie was born October 4, 1937 to Bob and LaVerne Cornish in Ainsworth, Nebraska.  She moved with her family to Eureka, California when she was 3 and grew up on the West Coast.  She loved sharing stories of her life there and the house she grew up in.

Bonnie married William Greavu on September 6, 1968. They settled down in Palm Springs, but eventually moved to Beaumont. Dad was originally from Montana and wanted to move back so they settled in Highwood, Montana in 1978.

Mom had many different jobs throughout her life. Her parents owned and ran a restaurant, so she learned to cook and waitress at a young age. She taught ceramics and owned her own shop for several years, worked at Missouri River Manor, and helped out at the food bank in Highwood.  Mom took odd jobs here and there throughout the years, but her main interests were her kids and family.

Mom was extremely smart, talented, creative and down to earth. She was an avid reader and especially loved mysteries and stories with a twist. There were very few that she couldn’t figure out. She definitely had a green thumb and was an excellent gardener. Mom’s yard would put any fancy park or garden to shame.  She loved all flowers, but her favorites were peonies, iris, and violas. She also had huge vegetable gardens every year and canned or froze all of our vegetables. Mom was a great cook and enjoyed having family and friends over. Her fried chicken and homemade bread were the best! If you came to visit, you never left hungry because she would insist on feeding you something. It might have been a full meal or a just handful of cookies; regardless you would leave feeling slightly chubbier then when you came. She had an artistic side and dabbled in many projects through the years such as ceramics, glass painting, various crafts, and sewing.  Mom liked music and loved to dance. She used to tell a story about how she danced with Merle Haggard and Buck Owens in a bar in Bakersfield before Merle and Buck were famous, but her favorite dance partner was Dad. They especially loved to waltz, and it was such a treat to watch them.  No matter the skill, job, project or craft she worked until she excelled at everything she tried. One of her favorite quotes was “Every expert was once a beginner.” She would tell us to try to do things right the first time, so you don’t have to do it over, but if you do mess up then try again. She also taught us to have pride in what we do-whether you are digging a ditch or performing brain surgery take it seriously and do your best. She had a great work ethic and instilled that value in all her children.

Mom was strong in her opinions and was not hesitant to let you know. Everyone knew where they stood with her. She liked you or she didn’t. It was that simple. We never had to guess what mom was thinking or feeling about any given topic or person. It is hard to summarize her 83 years of life in a few paragraphs and truly capture the person she was.  She was headstrong and ornery, but also remarkable, loving and beautiful. She was a unique force to say the least and will be missed greatly by all of us.

Mom was preceded in death by her husband, William; her brother, Ron Cornish; grandsons, George Zacharas and Brandon Dailey, and Tim Westphal.

She is survived by her children, Edward (Mary) of Sheridan, Or., Micheal (Dawn) of Great Falls, Mt, Catherine (Ken) of  Vancouver, Wa. Rachelle (Miles) of Great Falls, Mt., Trayce  of  Great Falls, Mt.; grandchildren, Mitch (Christine), Jacklyn, Eric, Stephen (Torrey);  great-grandchildren, McKenna, Lincoln, and Harper, and step daughters, Joanne (Bob) and Janet (Rusty) of  San Bernardino Ca.

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