Berniece DeLaire (Reynolds) Bishop, 87

Berniece DeLaire (Reynolds) Bishop, 87, of Stevensville, passed away at Hillside Manor in Missoula on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013.

She was born in Bainville, Mont., on March 2, 1926, the daughter of Curtis and Ida Adams Reynolds, the third oldest of five children. Berniece received her education in Bainville and began working in Havre as one of the first employees of the Buttrey Food store.

She married John “Jack” D. Lee in Big Sandy on Dec. 24, 1944, bringing into this union eight children. She and Jack lived in Ferndale around family for a number of years, before moving to Seeley Lake, where she was well known for her huge family dinners and spending time helping Jack run his trucking business. She spent many hours taking care of her home, participating in her children’s activities, being PTA president, and swimming with her kids in the river behind the house or at the pot hole. 

In 1964, the family moved to Stevensville to a small dairy farm where she learned the art of the automatic milking machines, and worked for approximately 20 years at the Fort Owen Inn where she became affectionately known as “Bea.” She worked for Stevi Bakery, Stevi Drive Thru and other eating establishments. She also owned and operated the Lee’s Husky Gas station and eatery in Victor.

After Jack’s passing, she married Paul Bishop in Lethbridge, Alberta, in December of 1974. She loved traveling and fishing trips with Paul until his death in 1980. This brings to mind the fishing trip up the Yaak where, while fishing, she disturbed a mama moose that proceeded to chase her back to a campground looking for safety.

She was a wife, mother, grandmother, great- and great-great-grandmother. She spent her time caring for her family. Her hobbies included playing bingo, gardening, fishing and caring for plants and flowers. Her family will remember her for her love of picnics, which were on all summer holidays and attended by many. Bring on her famous fried chicken!

She also much enjoyed her visits by her great-grandson Ty. He walked in the door and her face would just light up and this was only increased as Zane and Zack were born and began to move around her house this past year.

She was preceded in death by Jack Lee, Paul Bishop, Gayle Franklin, Beverly Steele, Morgan Lee, Dorothy Lee, Kenny Evans; and siblings Valera, Trudy and George; as well as grandsons, Brad Franklin, Michael Lee and Elliott Geurin.

She is survived by her children, David and JoAnne Lee of Elberta, Ala., Teri and Gary Iverson of Sunburst, John Harris and Sharon Lee of Missoula, Sheri and Gerry Clark of Charlo, and Tami and Ruben Armijo of Victor; her sister, Judy, and Glen Stevens, of Bigfork; 44 grandkids, 87 great-grandkids and 15 great-greats; and son-in-law, Terry Franklin, of Kalispell.

Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. today, Aug. 10, at the Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville. A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at 3 p.m., also at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Stevensville.

A potluck picnic will be held at the Bass Creek campground following the committal ceremony.

Memorials in Berniece’s name may be made to the Stevensville Senior Center Meals on Wheels. We would also like to ask you to just do a single random act of kindness for an elderly person. Berniece appreciated those moments when someone held the door for her or gave her a cheery hello.

Condolences and memories may be left for the family www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.