Yvonne Rist

Yvonne “Vonnie” Marie Rist, 88, of Billings, Montana passed away March 9, 2015, in Billings. She was born February 17, 1927 in Sioux City, Iowa, the daughter of Roland and LaVern (Holt) Robbins. Unfortunately, Vonnie grew up without her father; he passed away when she was two years old. Vonnie met her future husband on a double date. They were in the same class and graduated from Senior High School in 1945. On December 26, 1950, Vonnie was united in marriage to Severt R. “Bud” Rist at St. Patrick Co-Cathedral in Billings. Vonnie was a flag twirler in a marching band when she was a young girl and participated in many parades and athletic events. She loved art and music, especially the old swing bands. Vonnie attended Billings Business College and was a secretary at many schools, including Stewart, NV, Lander and Fort Washakie, WY, Lincoln Jr. High, Billings, BIA School. Vonnie enjoyed being an usherette at the Fox Theater in Billings, and was also a homemaker, bookbinder, and landlord. Vonnie retired at age 80. As Bud was a coach and educator, they moved to many different places, including Nevada, numerous places in Wyoming, Manhattan and Fromberg, Montana and eventually came back home to Billings in 1982. Vonnie was an elegant lady who dressed beautifully no matter where she went. She and Bud loved to dance and socialize with their family and friends. Wherever they called home, Vonnie was involved in bible studies and prayer groups. She was a crosswalk guard, sports statistician, bus mother, chaperone, church cook, and Eucharistic minister. Vonnie made lifelong friends wherever she lived. Her beautiful smile was contagious, and helped turn many frowns upside down. Vonnie was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mary Queen of Peace.) She had a deep commitment to God and her faith sustained her throughout her life. Vonnie made everyone feel important because she saw Christ in them and always treated others with kindness and love. Our lives have been blessed by Vonnie's love, prayers and friendship. We take great comfort in knowing Mom is looking down upon us, waiting our arrival at the rainbow bridge. Vonnie is survived by her adoring husband of 64 years, Bud; three sons Matthew E. Rist of Deer Lodge, Michael K. (Laura) Rist and John Q. (DeLaine) Rist, all of Billings; cousin Joe Black and family in Gainesville, FL; niece Niki (Len) Schmauch and grandniece Tasha of Brunswick, GA; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren. Vonnie was preceded in death by her parents; sister Florence (Don) Puckett, great-nephew Jeremy Hamil, five uncles and three aunts. The family would like to thank the staff at Parkview Healthcare and Highgate Senior Living for their care and compassion for Vonnie this past year. Visitation will be Friday, March 13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday 3 to 7 p.m. with Rosary at 7:00 and Vigil at 7:30 at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Monday at Little Flower Church with luncheon to follow. Committal will be in Lavina Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Montana Rescue Mission or to a local charity of one's choice.