Bonnie Ann Barney Westfall, 80.
Bonnie Ann Barney Westfall, 80, passed away peacefully in the Libby Care Center on Oct. 19. She was born in Helena on July 27, 1940, to Albert Burr Barney and May Catherine McCreanor Barney.
She graduated from Libby High School in 1960 and worked for W.R. Grace until she retired.
Bonnie married Don H. Westfall on December 4, 1970. The home they shared was a favorite for family gatherings. Their property on Terrace View was an amazing place to explore, adorned with their eccentric collection of antiquities that were strategically placed around their home and along their lengthy driveway. Bonnie’s lefsa was a staple at family dinners as well as her dill pickles and pickled beets. Christmas was never without her rosettes, a deep-fried Norwegian cookie.
Family was important to Bonnie. Camping trips with her sisters and their families were frequent; Horseshoe Lake and the Yaak were a couple of their favorite spots. During the winter months, the families would take snowmobiling trips into the remote, beautiful parts of Lincoln County, often passing signs that read, “No Motor Vehicles Beyond This Point”.
Bonnie and Don loved Montana and its rich history. They traveled to explore many old mining ghost towns and other historically significant locations.
In whatever Bonnie created her artistic talent and perfection shown through. Ceramics were one of her specialties. Every Christmas she proudly displayed her beautifully detailed Christmas village that completely covered every surface in her dining room. Her nieces and nephews eagerly anticipated the Christmas ornaments Bonnie sent them every year. Her talents also were on display in her intricate needlework Christmas decorations and doll making.
Bonnie was a kind, loving and generous daughter, wife, sister, aunt and friend.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and May; sister, Jane Mellem; and sister, Catherine Kins.
Bonnie is survived by her husband, Don H. Westfall of Libby; her sister, Marjorie (Paul) Robinson of Osburn, Idaho; stepdaughter, Marie Bjorge Westfall of Missoula; stepson Scott Westfall of Missoula; and many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.