Gary Lee Bonefield, 84, of Belle Fourche, SD died December 3, 2023 in Plano Texas surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
Gary was born February 16, 1939 at Songberger Maternity Home in Belle Fourche, SD to William and Gladys (Wolden) Bonefield. Gary grew up on the family ranch located on the Little Missouri River in Montana. Later, the family purchased a home in Belle Fourche, SD and lived part time, during the school year in town, and the rest of the time spent on the ranch. Gary attended Belle Fourche High School. He loved his time there and the friends he made, returning each 4th of July to reunite with classmates.
Gary had many jobs in his lifetime. Once he moved to Denver, most of his career was spent as a plumber and business owner, first alongside his brother in-law, Billy Jack Davis and then solo until he retired in 2011. Aside from working on his father’s ranch, Gary drove a truck for a while. He also sheered sheep for many years and loved to share the tales of those days.
On July 22, 1966, Gary married Alice Watkins in Denver, Colorado. He met Alice during the National Stock Show, and according to Alice, told his best friend, Bobby Gilbert, he was going back to Denver because he couldn’t live without her. They had a large family from the start as Alice had three children from a previous marriage and were excited to add three more children in the next few years of marriage. In the early 1970’s Gary accepted Christ as his personal savior. His wish was for the people he loved to know and accept Christ as he did.
Gary was preceded in death by his wife Alice; his parents; an infant brother; his sister, Marilyn; a son, Charles Schwartz.
Gary is survived by his siblings, Roger (Judy) Bonefield, Billye (Jerry) Roselip and Terry (Tim) Seifter; his children Peter Bonefield of Belle Fourche, Paula Johnston-Hutka of Parker, Texas, and Rochelle Sladky of Garland, Texas; Cindy Castor of Vernal, Utah and Dennis Schwartz of Prescott Valley, Arizona; 17 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren along with many beloved nieces and nephews.
Schedule of Celebration of Life Events:
December 10, 2023, the family will receive guests at the home of Paula Johnston, 1802 Parrant Court, Parker, TX 75094 from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
December 20, 2023, viewing at Kline Funeral Chapel 838 State Street, Belle Fourche, SD 57717, 11:00 a.m. – 3 :00 p.m.
December 21, 2023 – weather permitting, Gary will be laid to rest next to Alice in the family Cemetery at Little Missouri Lutheran Church, Capitol, Montana at 11:00 a.m.
January 5, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Celebration of Life, Northglenn Elks, 10969 Irma Drive, Northglenn, CO 80233. At 2:30 p.m. the Elks will perform their service for deceased member.
July 2, 2024 – It was important to Gary to have a celebration of his life on the land his ancestors homesteaded along the Little Missouri River on July 2, 1882. This date was significantly sentimental to him. Gary loved growing up there, loved the land and his family heritage. More details will be forthcoming. Please reach out to Rochelle Sladky 214-334-0029 for details after June 1, 2024.
An online guest book is available at klinefuneralchapel.com
