Bonnie Jares

Bonnie Kay Jares was born July 3rd, 1956, in La Mesa, CA to the parents of Norita (Jaszkowiak) and Bennie Burtts. Her early childhood was spent in North Dakota before the family settled in Billings where she would graduate high school from West High in 1974. She married her husband of 50 years, John Jares, on March 7th, 1975. She began her professional pursuits, receiving her associate degree in nursing and becoming a licensed practical nurse. She worked as a nurse for the next few years until she and John started Jares Fence Company together in 1979. She was very proud of her nursing degree and kept her nursing license current long after she became a successful business owner.

Bonnie was a woman of faith. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church for most of her adult life. She loved her church family and gained many good friends there. When her boys were young, she enjoyed teaching Sunday School. As a grandma, she loved helping with Vacation Bible School each summer and never missed a baptism, confirmation or church program of her grandchildren.

Bonnie had an unmatched enthusiasm for life. She enjoyed traveling the world, baking in her kitchen with her grandchildren and any kind of game where she could be competitive. She cherished playing games any time her grandchildren came over to visit or when she was camping with them. Even when they were little, she never purposely let them win! She also loved her monthly gatherings with her Bunco ladies. Additionally, she and John were able to travel the world for the last several years, visiting 17 countries and 5 continents. She was always planning her next trip, especially if it involved a beach. She also took her grandchildren on several vacations and was even kind enough to let their parents tag along! She and John took their motor home down south many winters and visited several of their friends along the way. Her friend list was abundant, and she will be missed by several dear friends of many years. Despite being sick these past 8 years, it never got in the way of her enjoying all these things or showing up for her grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Linda (Marvin) Hayworth and her stepfather John Jaskowiak. She is survived by her devoted husband John Jares, her three sons, Justin (Joni) Jares, Benjamin (Jayme) Jares, and Jonathan (Abigail) Jares; 8 grandchildren, Jered, Jena, Jacey, Josie, Berkley, Jonah, Cecilia, Waylon, and a 9th (Baby Flint) on the way; siblings Julie (Paul) Lasater, Cherrie Stoddard, Shelly (Curtis) Eckhardt, and Bennie (Roxanne) Burtts; as well as many brothers and sisters-in law, nieces, nephews and their families. She always kept up to date with everyone’s children; even if they weren’t directly hers, she always kept a watchful and loving eye on friends’ and family’s children.

After the most courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer, Bonnie was able to leave this earth with the tremendous love and care of her husband and sons by her side. They stoically and tenderly cared for her until her last breath, making sure every one of her wishes was honored. She was a blessed woman.

Cremation has taken place. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 30th at 10am at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Laurel, MT. A burial will happen following the service at the Laurel Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at the church. Memorial gifts in Bonnie’s honor may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church or Billings Studio Theatre.