Bernice Degele
February 25, 1939 - January 04, 2026
Obituary
Bernice Ann Degele, age 86, passed away on January 4, 2026, in Brighton, Colorado.
Bernice was born on February 25, 1939, in Ryegate, Montana, to Dominick and Rose Schaff, where she grew up and attended Ryegate schools. On June 30, 1959, she was united in marriage to George Degele in Billings, Montana. Together they shared many years of marriage and family life.
Bernice spent more than 40 years working in the food service industry, where she was known for her strong work ethic and dedication. In 2019, she moved to Brighton, Colorado. Outside of work, she found great joy in country western dancing and cherished every opportunity to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George Degele; her parents, Dominick and Rose Schaff; her sister, Cecilia Peterson; and her brothers, Don Schaff and Ron Hagel.
Bernice is survived by her son, Bob Degele and his wife LeeAnn, of Big Fork, Montana; her daughter, Jeanette Rannebarger and her husband, Bob, of Thornton, Colorado; her sister, Esther Lagerway; and her brother, Robert Hagel. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense pride and happiness.
Services will be held at Dahl Funeral Chapel, 10 Yellowstone Ave, Billings, MT on Thursday 1/15/26 at 11:00 am with interment at Mountain View Cemetery in Bridger, MT following service.
Reception will be at the Cmon Inn at 6:00 pm.