Lavina “Bonnie” Grosshuesch

Lavina Bess Bonenberger was born October 22, 1916, to Peter and Rosa (Farner) Bonenberger at the family farm north of Bonesteel, SD. She passed peacefully August 16, 2020 at Tendernest Assisted Living.

Lavina was the youngest of six children: Mary, Bernard, Verena, Peter and Viola. Lavina moved with her family to Bonesteel, SD, where she attended school. They then moved to Mission, SD, where she graduated from Todd Co. High School.

While attending Southern State Teachers College, Springfield, SD, Lavina met Vernon Grosshuesch. They were married in Butte, NE, July 5, 1938. They taught school in South Dakota until Vernon went to the Pacific, serving in World War II.

After 34 months overseas, he returned and continued his teaching career. Four children were born into this family: Vernon Robert, who preceded his parents in death, Cheryl, Paul and Susan.

They lived in Bonesteel and Pickstown, SD; Denver, CO; Hayward, CA; and moved to Billings in 1957, where Vernon was a Professor at Eastern Montana College. They continued to live in Billings after he retired. Vernon died in 1995. They had been married 57 years.

Lavina was Financial Secretary at the First Presbyterian Church from 1960 to 1970, where she was a member until her death.

Lavina is survived by her children: Cheryl (Richard) Rowe, Poolesville, MD, Paul (Kathy) Grosshuesch, Casper, WY, and Susan (Jim) Beckers, Billings, MT. She loved and respected each of her children and their spouses. She is survived by eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff of St. John's United Chapel Court, St. John's United Hospice and Tendernest Assisted Living for all the love and care Bonnie received. Memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church, Montana Rescue Mission or St. John's United Hospice.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24, at First Presbyterian Church, 2420 13th St. West. A lunch reception will be held following the service.