| Graduation Year | Class of 1958 |
| Date of Birth | Jan 04, 1941 |
| Date of Passing | Feb 18, 2019 |
| About | Bonita was born on January 5, 1941 to Alta and Henry Linville in Butte, Montana. There she lived with her Mom, Dad and older sister Myrna until she was about 14 months old. While living in Butte, her father Henry was killed in a March of 1942 mine cave-in. Afterwards, Alta moved with Bonnie and Myrna to Salmon where they grew up. In Salmon, Alta met and married Wade Chaffin after World War II. It was by this union that came another much younger sister for Bonnie and Mryna: Nancy. Bonnie met Jim Ford in high school and they were married at the age of 18 on March 8, 1959. Bonnie and Jim had 4 children: Gene, Bette, Laurie and Bonnie. Bonita started work at what is now called Discovery Care when her older children were in high school. She worked there for a total of 25 years. During most of that time she was the Dietary Manager. Bonnie enjoyed traveling a bit. She even made it to the Bahamas. Other activities she enjoyed were camping, flower gardening, reading and watching old movies on TV. Bonnie loved the simple things in life. Ooey, gooey desserts, her daily cup of coffee, being in the forest and her grandchildren. Bonnie was small but mighty. Life gave her many trials, but she usually came out on top. Yet like many people she lost her battle with cancer. She was a valiant warrior who will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her older sister, Myrna Christenot and her younger sister, Nancy Coles; her children Gene Ford (Jody Gilespy), Bette (Jeff) Cool, Bonnie (Glen) Benjamin; her 10 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews. |
