VERA DONEY, Obituary

BOZEMAN Vera E. Doney, 84, Bozeman, died Friday, May 10, 2002, at a Rochester, Minn., hospital surrounded by her family.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Vera was born Dec. 30, 1917, to Roy and Alvina (Strampher) Stine in Lemmon, S.D. She attended Jake's County Grade School north of Morristown, S.D., and graduated from Haynes High School in 1937.

In 1939, during the great Dakota drought and grasshopper days, she was lured westward and found employment at her first stop, Bozeman.

She married Frank R. Doney on Aug. 20, 1941, in Butte. They made their home on his ranch 10 miles south of Bozeman where she spent the remainder of her life.

She was a devoted wife and mother and loved her grandchildren. Her many friends played a large part in her life and were very special to her. Many people benefited from her generosity. She loved gardening, working with livestock, fishing, and hunting. She went to many state fairs, showing cattle and hogs.

Vera was a 4-H leader for 14 years, clerk of Anderson School for 20 years, member of the Hope Lutheran Church, and lifetime member of the Eagles Auxiliary in Bozeman. Her travels took her to Hawaii, Mexico, and many southwestern, southern and western states.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank Doney; and grandson, Chad Doney.

Survivors include her children, Robert (Kathy) Doney of Havre, Arleene (Dan) Weppler of Ryegate, Ellis Doney of Bozeman; sister, Mae Happel; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two nephews and many cousins.

Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.