Judy Bonar

Judith Ann (Austin) Bonar passed away on April 23, 2023 at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, SD. She had been in ill health for many years.

Judy was born January 19, 1952 in Billings, MT, the daughter of Leslie L. and Louise M. (Kotowski) Austin.

She graduated from Harlowton High School in 1971. She also studied at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Judy held many jobs in her life starting out at the Dairy Queen, Frost Top and Wade’s Drive Inn. After graduation she worked as an aid at Wheatland Memorial Hospital.

She married Dennis Bonar in Great Falls, MT in 1975. They lived in many places including Montana, Germany, Idaho, Illinois, and Texas. They later divorced after 20 years of marriage and Judy moved to South Dakota where she worked many years as a civilian Finance Manager on the Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota.

Judy enjoyed cooking for family and friends, and loved celebrating holidays, especially Christmas and the 4th of July festivities in Harlowton, MT. She had a crazy sense of humor, was fiercely competitive in a game of cards, and had an infectious laugh.

She was preceded in death by her father, Leslie Austin; her mother, Louise Clark; her sister, Joan Branger; her brother, David Austin; her nephew, Shawn Bouchard; and her grand-nephew Asa Woodard.

Judy is survived by her sisters Joyce Austin and Jan Cooney, daughters Brenda (Joe) Pyle and Josie (Andy) Jones; sons Chris Bonar and Kelly Bonar; grandchildren David Bonar, Jesse Pyle, Sami and Tucker Jones; great-grandchild Tristan Jones and many nieces and nephews.

Following cremation, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Judy’s honor to the charity of your choice. The Perkins Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences for the family may be posted on-line at www.perkinsfuneralandcremation.com