Bonnie Jean (McClain) Birkeland

Bonnie Jean Birkeland, 61, of Livingston, passed away suddenly Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at Livingston HealthCare Hospital. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Bonnies life will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday July 14, at the Franzen-Davis Chapel (118 N 3rd St.) with Pastor Sandy Williams serving as Celebrant. Fellowship will follow the service at the Livingston Elks Lodge (130 S 2nd St.) Burial and committal service will be at a later date. Memorials are preferred to: Stafford Animal Shelter, 3 Business Park Rd.; Livingston, MT 59047 or The American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave.; Dallas, TX 75231. Bonnie Jean (McClain) Birkeland was born on January 12, 1953, in Livingston, Montana. She was the daughter of Elizabeth "Betty" (Hoffman) McClain. She received her education in Livingston and was a graduate of the Livingston Park County High School Class of 1971. She continued her education attending Business College in Bozeman. She earned her certificate qualifying her for her career as an Eligibility Technician with the Department of Health and Human Services. On December 29, 1972, Bonnie was united in marriage to Raymond "Ray" Birkeland, with a ceremony at her mothers home in Livingston. This marriage was blessed with 5 children, Krista, Rhonda, and Livingstons first set of triplets, Tom, Tim and Travis. Bonnie was a life-long Livingston resident. Bonnie and Ray built their home on E Montana street working long hours and then putting in time with the kids and the building process. They shared 41 devoted years of marriage. Bonnie was employed by the State of Montana as an Eligibility Technician Social Worker with the Department of Health and Human Services. She served in this capacity for 31 years. She just retired in the fall of this past year. Bonnie enjoyed her life. Summer-time was her time of the year, the hotter the better. Her hobbies of gardening and tending her flower gardens brought her great pleasure. She loved to have the entire family together and prepare a huge turkey dinner complete with her famous mashed potatoes. She was "the glue" that kept everyone on track and so tightly knit. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren and friends. She left this earth far too soon. With grief in our hearts we say goodbye; but, look back at our wonderful and beautiful wife, mother, and grandmother and know we are blessed with her memory and love. Bonnie is survived by her: Husband, Ray Birkeland of Livingston. Children, Krista West and her husband, Matt of Livingston, Rhonda Birkeland of Livingston, Tom Birkeland and his wife, Stephanie of Helena and Tim Birkeland and his Fiance, Jessi of Bozeman. Grandchildren, Travis McNeil and Deven Birkeland. Sisters, Beverly Schwartz and her husband, Ron of Moses Lake, WA, Brenda Henwood and her husband, Dale of Helena and Barbie Delich and her husband, Robert of Livingston. Nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends. Bonnie is preceded in death by her Mother, Betty McClain and her Step-Father, Henry Klasen, Son, Travis who passed in 1977 and her Brother, William McClain. Arrangements are under the direction of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory.